The Secrets of the Romanov House

This collection includes unique memories of Russian emperors from the Romanov dynasty — from Peter I to Nicholas II, written by individuals who were part of the "inner" circle of the ruling personages. The memoirs of ministers, maids of honor, generals, high-ranking officials, court architects, jewelers, doctors, and aides-de-camp tell of the daily life, duties, and entertainments of the royal family members, their characters and habits, and their attitude towards the Russian people. Misconceptions and ideals, virtues and vices of historical figures had a direct impact on the history of Russia. Most of the names of the memoir authors are known to lovers of Russian history; they are individuals who had special merits before the Motherland, and their opinions on each of the Russian emperors and empresses hold special value. Together, these stories create an expressive portrait of bygone times, rich in interesting details that allow for a shortening of the distance between the past and the present.