[ Buchtipp von K. Heinz Duthel ] The Principality of Liechtenstein has enjoyed a stable, uninterrupted history. Liechtenstein's borders have remained unchanged since 1434, when the Rhine established the border between the Holy Roman Empire and the Swiss cantons. Prince Johann Adam Andreas of Liechtenstein bought the domain of Schellenberg in 1699 and the county of Vaduz in 1712. By acquiring these Lordships, which were directly subordinate to the Holy Empire because there was no duke of Swabia any longer, the Prince of Liechtenstein obtained his end by having this small patch of mountain villages. The territory took the name of the family that now ruled the county. On January 23, 1719, emperor Karl VI decreed that the counties of Vaduz and Schellenberg be promoted to a principality with the name Liechtenstein for his servant Anton Florian of Liechtenstein whereby they became Heiliger Römischer Reichsfürst.

[ Info ] Duthel, H. : the must beautyfull pictures from The Principality of Liechtenstein. www.lulu.com, 2007 .