Topics

1

Books about the Romanovs and Imperial Russia / Forthcoming Publication on Revolutionary Postcards in Imperial Russia

« on: October 24, 2018, 09:28:30 AM »

I am delighted to announce the forthcoming publication of my new book on revolutionary postcards in Imperial Russia, which is out on the 7 November.

Although now little known, picture postcards were the most widespread form of visual propaganda produced during the reign of the last Tsar, and a powerful weapon in the struggle against autocracy.

“Greetings from the Barricades” is the product of extensive archival research in Russia, Europe, and America. Alongside an in-depth text, it contains over 200 colour illustrations – the vast majority previously unpublished.

More details can be found here:

https://www.fourcornersbooks.co.uk/books/greetings-from-the-barricades/

Copies can be ordered now from the publisher’s website above (click on 'add to bag' in top right), or through Amazon’s UK site:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greetings-Barricades-Revolutionary-Postcards-Imperial/dp/1909829129/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540390537&sr=8-1&keywords=greetings+from+the+barricades

2

Servants, Friends and Retainers / Mrs Aubin - Olga Nikolaevna

« on: August 31, 2017, 08:32:46 AM »

I don't suppose anyone knows who 'Mrs Aubin' is. I have recently come across a postcard written by Olga Nikolaevna in April 1903, wishing her a happy Easter.

3

Russian Imperial Medals, Orders, Uniforms & Militaria / Штабс-капитан минной роты

« on: March 28, 2016, 11:46:16 AM »

In the course of my research for a book on anti-government postcards, I have recently come across a card sent by a certain И.И.Бородин, who describes himself as Штабс-капитан минной роты. He tells his correspondent to write to him on the Больдераа-Риго-Орловский Ж-Д.

Can anyone help with how his regiment should be rendered into English (Mining Regiment doesn't sound quite right), and why he might have been based on the railway?

Many thanks, Tobie

4

Palaces in St. Petersburg / Identification of Palace

« on: April 12, 2014, 03:15:46 PM »

The following photographs come from one of Grand Duchess Olga's Ladies in Waiting. Can anyone help identify the location or palace in the background. Amongst the people identifiable are Felix Yusupov (not visible in the posted photos) and Anna Vyrubova - if anyone knows any of the other figures that would also be very helpful.
With thanks.

5

Russian Imperial Medals, Orders, Uniforms & Militaria / Photograph of revolutionaries - Identification of uniforms

« on: March 21, 2013, 07:10:11 AM »

Hello,
I am currently writing a book on the revolutionary postcards produced during the 1905 Uprising.  The attached image dates from around 1905, and almost certainly depicts three revolutionaries, possibly SRs.  Can anyone help with identification of their uniforms?  Also, if anyone has any clue as to their identities, please do let me know.
Thank you,
Tobie

6

News Links / Rehabilitate the former Russian Imperial Family?

« on: December 07, 2005, 09:45:51 AM »

Moscow Times, Tuesday, December 6, 2005. Issue 3310. Page 2.


Descendants Call for Tsar's Rehabilitation
By Anatoly Medetsky
Staff Writer

Descendants of the last tsar are urging the Prosecutor General's Office to exonerate Tsar Nicholas II, his wife and five children as victims of political repressions.

"There still are people who say it was right to shoot them dead. We believe it is our duty to restore their good name," said Alexander Zakatov, a representative of Maria Romanova, the heiress to the Romanov dynasty and a granddaughter of a cousin of Nicholas II.

The tsar and his family were executed by a Bolshevik firing squad in Yekaterinburg on the night of July 17, 1918. Soviet Russia's highest authority at the time, the Central Executive Committee, approved the execution.

German Lukyanov, a lawyer for the descendants, said at the same news conference Monday that the tsar and his family were eligible for exoneration under Russian law because they were victims of political repression and did not get a fair trial. Exoneration would not allow descendants to claim any property in Russia, Lukyanov said

He said he had filed an appeal with prosecutors last Thursday and that they had three months to make a decision. He said that if prosecutors rejected the appeal, they would have to send it to court for a final decision.

The exoneration request comes at a time when Russia is trying to come to terms with its imperial past.

7

The Final Chapter / Authentic murder weapons?/Gun that shot the last Tsar

« on: November 11, 2005, 07:30:02 AM »

I'm not sure how many people know that one of the pistols which was used to kill the Romanov family (indeed it may even be Yurovsky's own) is on display in the Museum of Contamporary History in Moscow.

I have long been in two minds whether it is correct to display the weapon or not and have eventually come to the conclusion that it probably is.  After all if the dagger that Brutus used to kill Caesar still survived, it would surely also be on display.

I'd be interested to know your (unsentimental) views.