Translated for the First Time in English with Annotations by a Leading Expert; the Romanov Family’s Final Years Through the Writings of the Second Oldest Daughter Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna of Russia was the second of the four daughters of Tsar Nicholas II and his wife; the Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. Long recognized by historians as the undisputed “beauty†of the family; Tatiana was acknowledged for her poise; her elegance; and her innate dignity within her own family. Helen Azar; translator of the diaries of Olga Romanov; and Nicholas B. A. Nicholson; Russian Imperial historian; have joined together to present a truly comprehensive picture of this extraordinarily gifted; complex; and intelligent woman in her own words. Tatiana Romanov; Daughter of the Last Tsar: Diaries and Letters; 1913–1918; presents translations of material never before published in Russian or in English; as well as materials never published in their entirety in the West.The brisk; modern prose of Tatiana’s diary entries reveals the character of a young woman who was far more than the sheltered imperial beauty as she previously has been portrayed. While many historians and writers describe her as a cold; haughty; and distant aristocrat; this book shows instead a remarkably down-to-earth and humorous young woman; full of life and compassion. A detail-oriented and observant participant in some of the most important historical events of the early twentieth century; she left firsthand descriptions of the tercentenary celebrations of the House of Romanov; the early years of Russia’s involvement in World War I; and the road to her family’s final days in Siberian exile. Her writings reveal extraordinary details previously unknown or unacknowledged. Lavishly annotated for the benefit of the nonspecialist reader; this book is not only a reevaluation of Tatiana’s role as more than just one of four sisters; but also a valuable reference on Russia; the First World War; the Russian Revolution; and the people closest to the Grand Duchess and her family.
#1379974 in Books Fair Winds Press 2008-07-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 1.00 x 7.68l; 2.09 #File Name: 1592333036320 pages
Review
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful. Young Person's Book -- not for HistoriansBy David M. DoughertyThis is an attractive; well produced book evidently aimed at junior high school readers; with many; many fancy illustrations from classical and modern artists; good and relatively accurate reference maps; double-spaced type; and many; many vignettes like those in textbooks to hold the reader's interest. The prose is ninth grade; and there are zero (nada; zip) footnotes and end notes -- yet the author makes sweeping opinion statements throughout as if they are fact. As an example; the author states on page 60; "Their (the Romans) commander was the Roman's finest military strategist; Flavius Aetius." Wow; and here I thought that Julius Caesar; Scipio Africanus; Lucullus; Trajan; Marcus Aurelius or Constantine might have been in the running for this accolade. I think the author meant to add "at the time" but it's not there. The author also says; "No one knows what became of the Huns." Well; there are several good studies of the Huns; but for whatever reason the author chose to fire for effect rather than present solid scholarship. This is probably all junior high school students can handle anyway; but anyone reading this as an historical treatise will be disappointed. My copy of the book is officially softbound ( produced in Singapore); but had a very stiff cover with fold-out ends to display Thomas Cole's "The Course of Empire -- Destruction"; his depiction of the Vandal sack of Rome. Of course the author goes to great lengths to discuss that the Vandals did not actually vandalize Rome -- as it that made any difference. There are many other short descriptions that leave much to be desired -- for example the Battle of Liegnitz. Where did the burning naphtha come from? What were the Mongol tactics? Oh well; it was enough to say the Mongols collected nine sacks of right ears cut off from those slain. All that being said; the book does have many redeeming features; particularly for a reader who knows nothing about the Barbarian invasions from Alaric's sack of Rome in 410 to the Mongols of the thirteenth century. The author skips over the earlier invasions that Rome contended with throughout its existence (the Gauls sacked Rome in 390 BC and the Marcomanni in 178 were a dangerous threat handled by Marcus Aurlius) which should have been covered since they substantially affected Roman history. The coverage by the author does impart a modicum of knowledge; however; mostly a broad understanding of events and their effects. If nothing else; this book is a good primer to popularize the study of barbarian invasions; including the effects of the Vikings on history from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean. I was particularly impressed that the author had included the Kievan Rus; Olga; (one of history's most successful warrior queens); and the eventual spread of Christianity in Russia in opposition to the Jewish Khazars (although the author forgets to mention that they were Jewish.) All in all; I gave the book three stars for filling a niche in the literature. If this book helps promote study into its subject; then everything will be to the good. Just don't expect superior scholarship and a detail study. This book is long on glitz and short on substance.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An OK ReadBy Mark ComerInteresting history but very repetitive. Reads/feels like a coffee table book2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Quick ReactionsBy clare bishopFantastic book; beautiful layout; nice collection of facts; covers basics with great photos/pics too. It is pitched at good general knowledge; do not Expect a PhD thesis.Lovely layout too.
