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Iron-Hand
Augustus II, known as "the Strong," was a paradoxical ruler excelling in cultural achievements but failing in war and politics. Ascending to power in Saxony and Poland, his reign saw religious tensions, military defeats, and lavish cultural projects. Inspired by Louis XIV, Augustus transformed Dresden into a Baroque masterpiece, amassing porcelain, live menageries, and taxidermy collections. Despite his cultural legacy, his reign left debts and political challenges for his successor.
Press Release - Forsberg Named Community Engagement and Development Lead
History Through Fiction is excited to announce Jillian Forsberg as the new Community Engagement and Development Lead. A historian, author, and passionate advocate for historical storytelling, Jillian will play a key role in growing the Manuscript Matchup Beta Reader Program and fostering a collaborative environment for authors and readers.
Press Release - Forsberg Set to Publish Companion Novel with History Through Fiction
Jillian Forsberg returns with The Porcelain Menagerie, a gripping tale set in 18th-century Dresden. Following her debut, The Rhino Keeper, this novel explores King Augustus the Strong's dangerous obsessions. The story weaves together the lives of artist Johann Kändler and Turkish handmaiden Fatima, revealing the fragility of ambition and survival. Look for its release by History Through Fiction on October 21, 2025.