THE RUSSIAN RIDDLE: Grand Duke Serge Alexandrovich by Tamar Anolic

I think every publisher  large or small, knows what it costs to have translations  done.  I think university presses are probably the most likely for that, it  still depends on  marketing demands, especially for niche markets such as this. I know from personal experience what it takes, I have normally use students at college, who, of course need the money.  But for a publisher, the cos is  far more substantial.
 Now, for the book itself, I reiterate, it is okay for  readers new to the subject,  and is convenient in it's own way. I personally found it a bit sloppy, but still readable. I was unimpressed with the author's  viewpoint, what it was.
As for editing and proofing...wellthe big houses and newspapers do not seem to use them much any longer. Not even the BBC ! Probably the world's most respected news source. How very sad.

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I too would love to see such books but, as has been mentioned by some of our authors here on the Forum, much of it has to do with the cost involved in relation to the size of a potential readership. If it doesn't make sound financial sense, it most likely will not be done, sadly. I still hold out hope for the John Wimbles book on Grand Duchess Maria A that was mentioned eons ago, myself.

I do not think we will ever see, sadly, a Wimbles book on Marie Coburg's letters.

Arturo Beéche

That is sad.  I have been privileged to hear Wimbles read the letters in his very plummy voice, and the humor and humanity contained within are so different than the picture I always had in my head about her.  And, she was so frank and caring... I don't know if people really know that about her!

That is sad, indeed. I think a book such as that would be better than at least half of the royal books published today--subject wise. Does he still have possession of the letters or were they on loan? Hopefully some more will be used in magazine articles, at least. As Ilana said, you get a really different perspective on Marie as well as known (and unknown) events throughout her life. Her 'voice' is much different from her persona, at least from what I've read of the letters.

Maybe someone could get in contact with mr Wimbles, and support him, to publish the letters of Marie Coburg. I already did a search on him on the internet, but can't find a contact adress.

I must say that I think some of the complaints about this book are overdone.  I have several books on GD Ella also and yes I do recognize some of the quotes in those books - I also ready things for the first time in this particular book.  I thought it was easy to read, it held my attention and the style was something I enjoyed.

Art is/has always been responsive to his customers - and in fact, I'm one of the people who have been howling for years for more books (in english) on the son's of Alexander II.

Like some people here I have an extensive russian history/Romanov library and there is room for this book in it.  I would remind folks that not everyone is at the same level and this book is not only good for this somewhat experienced romanovphile but would definately be a good book for someone new to the game who wants to know about one of the more (in)famous son's of Alexander II.

Art - How about a book on Vladimir next?

dca

Maybe someone could get in contact with mr Wimbles, and support him, to publish the letters of Marie Coburg. I already did a search on him on the internet, but can't find a contact adress.

I would love to read a book of Marie Coburg's letters. I am completely fascinated by her.  Always have been.

One uses telephone books to find an address -- or if you are willing to pay - the electoral rolls for the UK.

There are, one can assume, several reasons for John not wanting to publish the letters ... he may not actuallly own the rights to the letters, he's been ill, and he might not be able to find a publisher who will want to invest in a project ...

Maybe someone could get in contact with mr Wimbles, and support him, to publish the letters of Marie Coburg. I already did a search on him on the internet, but can't find a contact adress.

One uses telephone books to find an address -- or if you are willing to pay - the electoral rolls for the UK.

There are, one can assume, several reasons for John not wanting to publish the letters ... he may not actuallly own the rights to the letters, he's been ill, and he might not be able to find a publisher who will want to invest in a project ...

Maybe someone could get in contact with mr Wimbles, and support him, to publish the letters of Marie Coburg. I already did a search on him on the internet, but can't find a contact adress.

Thank you for your reply. And thats' the reason why it is better to contact someone personal then just guessing and hoping. With his answer you know more!

I'm about halfway through this book and already i want to pluck out my eyeballs. The style of writing is extremely unsophisticated. The repetitious quoting is driving me to distraction. The book is thinly disguised as hundreds of quotes strung together with very basic language and overused adjectives. I am extremely disappointed. I actually read the other negative views and thought I'd buy it anyway and make an informed opinion. I wish I hadn't.

Many of Marie of Coburg's letters are found in the excellent and recently published "Dear Missy", a book I highly recommend.

I've now almost finished the book and am sad to say, it gets worse not better. Much of it reads like a high school history paper. The punctuation, syntax, flow is slipshod and haphazard ... <<shiver>>