The Romanovs: Ruling Russia 1613-1917

(Paperback)

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For 300 years the history of Russia was inextricably linked to one family: the Romanovs. Claiming a divine right to reign and tracing the family lineage back to Peter the Great, they were Russia's second and last imperial dynasty and, for better or worse, as Lindsey Hughes demonstrates, shaped the country's history for three centuries until their downfall and murder in 1918. 17th century Russia was riddled with chaos, internal disorder, rioting, and a constant threat of foreign invasion. During the rule of Peter the great, Russia was transformed into an empire by his introduction of trade with Europe and aggressive military campaigns. Through the impact of Peter the Great, followed by the continuing influences of Michael, Ivan, Catherine II, Nicholas I and Alexander III, the Romanovs undoubtedly shaped the politics, society, art and philosophy of their times and lead to the establishment of Russia as one of the great world powers. But when the Romanovs gathered to celebrate their tercentenary in 1913, dark clouds were gathering. The infamous mystic Rasputin had prophesized their demise and his unpopular influence on the Tsar was growing. The strain of the First World War had spread unrest throughout Russia. On July 17th, 1918 three hundred and four years of the Romanov dynasty ended when, probably under Lenin's orders, Tsar Nicholas II, his wife and five children were brutally murdered by a Bolshevik execution squad bringing the Romanov dynasty to a final and bitter end. This brilliant and original new work, comprised of vivid and powerful portraits of the entire Romanov family, illustrates exactly what and how the family contributed to the creation of Russia. By bringing the characters of the Tsars and their family to life, Lindsey Hughes offers an insightful addition to our knowledge of an epic and fascinating history.

Reviews

'A history achieved with consummate skill ... an illuminating and admirably balanced narrative account' - Literary Review
'More than a testimony to Hughes' remarkable spirit, this is the best book in English on the subject, illuminated by a deep knowledge of Russia's imperial past, wide in scope yet admirable in its concision, and infused with a subtlety of interpretation free of the overheated, romantic treatment that has clouded most previous accounts.'- Douglas Smith, Times Literary Supplement
'Ony {Hughes} ... could have written such a wide-ranging, scholarly and captivating distillation of the entire history of the Romanov family. The book is enlivened at all points by discussions of painting, architecture, and statuary; Hughes's command of detail is stunning.' - David Saunders, School of Historical Studies, Newcastle University
'Always thoughtful, measured, witty and deeply informed ... The originality of her perspective and the range of her knowledge guarantee that The Romanovs will be beneficial to specialists, students and the general public for a long time to come.' - Revolutionary Russia
'This scholarly and captivating book brilliantly displays Lindsey Hughes' deep knowledge of Russia's imperial past.' - Good Book Guide
"Hughes presents an updated narrative of the Romanov dynasty, grounded firmly in recent scholarship. The book brims with interesting details about the family and life at court. Hughes has a great eye for the visual and symbolic aspects of court life and makes fine use of portraits and images throughout the text. Scholars will find much of interest in this book."-The Journal of Modern History

Author Bio

Lindsey Hughes was Professor in the School of Slavonic and East European Studies at University College London, UK.