In Russia and Austria-Hungary of the late nineteenth century, one may speak of the "imperial biographies" of elites. Their lives, careers, and self-perceptions were inextricably connected with empire. This volume looks into the influence of these mobile elites on the fundamental changes that took place in both empires during the long nineteenth century. Seventeen case studies reveal striking patterns in their mobility and career trajectories. The articles describe the nexus between imperial experiences, professional advancement, and individual self-conceptions. Finally, they examine the extent to which individual biographies were shaped by mutual perceptions and processes of transfer between these two major multinational empires in Central and Eastern Europe.