Batonyi uses Foreign Office pen sketches of European statesmen to telling effect * American Historical Review (2000) *
Although he deals with sensitive and potentially emotional issues, Gabor Batonyi tells his tale in a remarkably detached and scrupulously balanced manner. This only adds to its drama. * Igor Lukes, Twentieth Century British History, Vol.11, No.4, 2000 *
A great deal has been written about this topic, but Mr Batonyi has done a fine job of pulling the available evidence together. He is most innovative when he shows the negative impact of Anglo-French rivalry on the region ... His treatment of British-Austrian relations delivers several delightful nuggets. * Igor Lukes, Twentieth Century British History, Vol.11, No.4, 2000 *
a short but well written and informative introduction ... Mr Batonyi has been able to write an entirely original work that adds new dimensions to the existing literature ... Mr Batonyi masterfully traces the ups and downs of London's policy toward the region as it appeared after the collapse of the Habsburg system. * Igor Lukes, Twentieth Century British History, Vol.11, No.4, 2000 *
Batonyi's ... diligent, carefully argued analysis of Britain's groping, hesitant, and ultimately timid approach to Austria, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia show that Munich was no accident. ... Batonyi's analysis serves as a useful reminder that careful archival research can force historians to reconsider a very familiar issue - Munich - from an entirely different perspective. ... Batonyi's descriptions and analysis are valuable, forcing a reconsideration of traditional conceptions about the formation of interwar British foreign policy. His definition of the limits of British activity is striking. ... Batonyi contributes new insights to our understanding of Britain's vacillating, awkward, ineffective policies toward Prague, Vienna, and Budapest from 1918 into the 1930's * Samuel R. Williamson, Jr, Journal of Modern History, Vol 72, No 4, Dec 2000. *
