| Excerpt |
Sometimes, outstanding biographies are strangely interwoven with prominent geographic landmarks which seem to be carrying some magnetic quality that mysteriously prompts destinies on their way. Such a case is the life of King Charles I of Romania (1839 - 1914), descendant of the noble Hohenzollerns of Sigmaringen, Germany, his birthplace being quite close to that of the Danube River in the Black Forest. Young Prince Charles was later to become ruler of a country whose southern border was the same river that had cradled his boyhood. Along his venerable 47-year-long reign, King Charles I brilliantly honored his office and the Danube played an important role in both his emotional ties and his practical purposes. |
