Notes of a Gendarme

Alexander Ivanovich Spiridovich (1873–1952) — one of the most well-known gendarmerie figures in pre-revolutionary Russia. Major General of the Separate Corps of Gendarmes, head of the imperial court security, author of books about the Russian revolutionary movement, Spiridovich played a significant role in the development of national history and later served as a prototype for characters in retro detective stories. His fascinating memoirs cover a large period of time — from his admission to the cadet corps to the events of 1905 — and provide insight into the workings of the tsarist security, its secret agents, and the struggle against underground terrorist organizations. This historical narrative features many participants in the social and political life of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, both supporters of the ruling power and revolutionaries. Diligently fulfilling his duty, Spiridovich nevertheless managed to recreate in his memoirs, written shortly after emigrating from Russia, an objective picture of the impending demise of the empire.