"A Nervous Splendor" is a non-fiction book written by Frederic Morton that explores the political and cultural climate of Vienna, Austria, during the last decade of the 19th century. The book focuses on the city's intellectual and artistic movements, as well as its political struggles, particularly in the aftermath of the suicide of Crown Prince Rudolf and the subsequent rise of Emperor Franz Joseph. Morton examines the complex web of relationships among the various figures who played a role in Vienna's social and political scene, including artists, intellectuals, politicians, and members of the aristocracy. Through his vivid portrayal of Vienna's vibrant and tumultuous culture, Morton provides a compelling glimpse into a pivotal moment in European history.