I started reviewing the books I have for my blog, but I think I may as well post on the forum.
Cancerning The Romanovs: Love, Power and Tragedy - among all the books I own and have read, this one is my favourite by far. You can truly tell it was a work of love, and perhaps no other publication has managed to create a peaceful, yet tragically sad atmosphere of the fading Empire so beautifully. The last Romanovs have a certain aura, created by their reclusive existence so criticized by all, middle-class lifestyle that puzzled the high society, and strong bonds of love and devotion. This book brings this aura as close to the reader as possible. Though essentially a photoalbum, the book is also rich (and accurate) in text, and apart from hundreds of photographs it offers also glimpses of letters, postcards and artwork by various members of Imperial family. Ultimately the book is concerned with the private lives of Tsar, Tsarina and their children, which does not leave much space for politics, choosing to view Nicholas primarilly as a family man, both unfit to rule and unfavoured by circumstances. I dare say The Romanovs: Love, Power and Tragedy is among essential publications for anyone with interest in less public actions and motivations of the last Imperial couple, and also their everyday life. Large, printed on high quality paper and with clear images - there is nothing that would interfere with the aesthetic bit either. The only downside of the book - which remains marvelous and in many ways unmatched, in spite of being first published over twenty years ago - is that it is currently out of print. Finding copies thus may prove difficult and the prize quite hefty.
Verdict: Intimate and beautiful, generous and rich in every way. A book to cherish.
