"With extraordinary variety of scale, centering human perspectives in the bald story of reconquest and expansion, Timothy Olin rewrites our understanding of migration, cultural identities, and layered multiethnic negotiation in the Habsburg borderlands. An invaluable portrait of the dynamics of continental empire-building." Rita Krueger, Temple University "Timothy Olin masterfully recalls a forgotten Habsburg borderland in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as waves of German settlers poured into the frontier region of the Banat. Drawing on archives of Austria, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia, this book examines the nature, scope, and transformation of the monarchy's great colonial experiment." Howard Louthan, University of Minnesota "A meticulously researched book that shines new light on an overshadowed corner of Habsburg Central Europe and clears up century-long misconceptions. The Banat of Temesvar will shape how we think about colonial policies in Europe for years to come." John Deak, University of Notre Dame "Timothy Olin's book brings to life the motivations, challenges, difficultiesand occasional successesof individuals, religious and linguistic communities, and state authorities in the Banat region. It presents a sensitive, sophisticated narrative and makes for a fascinating, compelling read." Jonathan Kwan, University of Nottingham