The Romanovs
1613-1918
By: Simon Sebag Montefiore
The Romanovs were the most successful dynasty of modern times, ruling a sixth of the world's surface. How did one family turn a war-ruined principality into the world's greatest empire? And how did they lose it all? This is the intimate story of twenty tsars and tsarinas, some touched by genius, some by madness, but all inspired by holy autocracy and imperial ambition. Montefiore's gripping chronicle reveals their secret world of unlimited power and ruthless empire-building, overshadowed by palace conspiracy, family rivalries, sexual decadence and wild extravagance, and peopled by a cast of adventurers, courtesans, revolutionaries and poets, from Ivan the Terrible to Tolstoy, from Queen Victoria to Lenin. To rule Russia was both imperial-sacred mission and poisoned chalice: six tsars were murdered and all the Romanovs lived under constant threat to their lives. Peter the Great tortured his own son to death while making Russia an empire, and dominated his court with a dining club notable for compulsory drunkenness, naked dwarfs and fancy dress. Catherine the Great overthrew her own husband - who was murdered soon afterwards - loved her young male favourites, conquered Ukraine and fascinated Europe. Paul was strangled by courtiers backed by his own son, Alexander I, who faced Napoleon's invasion and the burning of Moscow, then went on to take Paris. Alexander II liberated the serfs, survived five assassination attempts, and wrote perhaps the most explicit love letters ever written by a ruler. THE ROMANOVS climaxes with a fresh, unforgettable portrayal of Nicholas and Alexandra, the rise and murder of Rasputin, war and revolution - and the harrowing massacre of the entire family. Written with dazzling literary flair, drawing on new archival research, THE ROMANOVS is at once an enthralling story of triumph and tragedy, love and death, a universal study of power, and an essential portrait of the empire that still defines Russia today.
AI Overview
Comprehensive Overview of "The Romanovs" by Simon Sebag Montefiore
Key Themes:
- Autocracy and Power: The book explores the nature of autocracy and its impact on the Romanov dynasty, highlighting how absolute power can corrupt and lead to ruthless ambition and brutal suppression.
- Personalities and Dynastic Rivalries: It delves into the lives of 20 tsars and tsarinas, focusing on their personalities, relationships, and the intricate web of court politics and family rivalries.
- Conspiracy, Assassination, and Intrigue: The book is filled with stories of palace conspiracies, assassinations, and other forms of intrigue that shaped the Romanovs' rule.
- Sexual and Alcoholic Excesses: It details the sexual and alcoholic excesses of various Romanovs, including Catherine the Great's affairs and Peter the Great's drunkenness.
- Empire Building and Decline: The narrative covers the rise and fall of the Romanov dynasty, from their initial success in turning a war-ruined principality into a mighty empire to their eventual downfall.
Plot Summary:
- Early Romanovs: The book begins with the early Romanovs, including Michael I, who reluctantly accepted the throne in 1613. It then moves through the reigns of subsequent tsars, highlighting their struggles and achievements.
- Peter the Great: The story focuses on Peter the Great, who transformed Russia into an empire through his reforms and military conquests, including the torture of his own son.
- Catherine the Great: Catherine's reign is notable for her conquests, cultural achievements, and personal affairs, which are detailed in the book.
- Alexander I and Napoleon: The narrative covers Alexander I's reign, including his confrontation with Napoleon and the burning of Moscow.
- Alexander II and the Serfs: Alexander II is remembered for liberating the serfs and surviving multiple assassination attempts.
- Nicholas II and Alexandra: The final chapters focus on Nicholas II and Alexandra, including the rise and murder of Rasputin, the outbreak of World War I, and the eventual revolution and execution of the Romanov family.
Critical Reception:
- Praise for Montefiore's Writing: Critics have praised Montefiore's writing style, noting that he combines rigorous research with exquisite prose. The book is described as "dazzlingly entertaining" and "beautifully written" by Douglas Smith in Literary Review and as "impressive" with "exquisite prose" by Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
- Engaging Narrative: The book is praised for its engaging narrative, which weaves together a tale of salacious gossip, gruesome details, and historical significance. Critics like Leo McKinstry from Sunday Express and Roger Lewis from Daily Mail have noted that Montefiore tells the story compellingly.
- Criticisms: Some critics have noted that the book can be confusing in its early sections, with Montefiore bouncing around in time and focusing more on sensationalist details than on coherent historical narrative. Edward Lucas from magazine 1843 and a reviewer from The Independent have pointed out these issues, suggesting that the book sometimes grates with its showy style and lack of overarching ideas.
- Historical Context: The book has been criticized for reinforcing Western stereotypes about Russia and the Romanovs. A review in The Independent suggests that Montefiore's account sometimes lacks authorial judgment and fails to consider the achievements or failings of each tsar or tsarina.
Overall, "The Romanovs" by Simon Sebag Montefiore is a comprehensive and engaging history of the Romanov dynasty, offering a richly detailed and often dramatic portrayal of their rise and fall. While it has received widespread praise for its writing and narrative, it has also faced some criticisms regarding its structure and historical context.