Overview

Few characters in history are as fascinating or controversial as Nicholas and Alexandra. From their passionate love to their horrifying execution, they are alternately viewed as innocent victims of Bolshevik assassins or blamed for causing the Revolution themselves. Much has already been written about their lives. But acting as a curator of the many conflicting histories, acclaimed author Virginia Rounding offers a different kind of biography, with an intimate look that probes the souls of these unforgettable figures, and tells the story of their passion and its consequences for Russia. Through newly revealed letters and diaries, Rounding explores the Empress' ill health, examines the enigmatic triangular relationship between Nicky, Alix and her confidante Ania Vyrubova, and looks anew at the reasons behind their reliance on the infamous Rasputin. Her conclusions are surprising. With eloquence and compassion, Rounding makes these characters come alive, presenting them in all their complexity and ardour, guiding the reader into their vanished world.

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9780312381004

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Reviews

"[Rounding] paints a vivid portrait of a sensual and intellectual woman. ""Washington Post on Catherine the Great"" An engrossing bio [Grade: ] A ""Entertainment Weekly on Catherine the Great"" Brings Catherine alive, and not least in her relations with the men she drew to her side. ""Foreign Affairs on Catherine the Great"" [The author] captures the distinct experience of each of these women and offers a vivid portrait of their world, in both its splendor and its seaminess. ""The Boston Globe on Grandes Horizontales"" Ms. Rounding skillfully describes the rise and fall of second-empire Paris, combining historical accuracy with a thoughtful analysis of the dangers of the demi-mondaine . . . Evocative, lively, and ultimately heartbreaking. ""Richmond Times-Dispatch on Grandes Horizontales"" Well-researched, intelligent, and compassionate. ""Kirkus Reviews on Grandes Horizontales"""""

[Rounding] paints a vivid portrait of a sensual and intellectual woman. Washington Post on Catherine the Great An engrossing bio [Grade: ] A Entertainment Weekly on Catherine the Great Brings Catherine alive, and not least in her relations with the men she drew to her side. Foreign Affairs on Catherine the Great [The author] captures the distinct experience of each of these women and offers a vivid portrait of their world, in both its splendor and its seaminess. The Boston Globe on Grandes Horizontales Ms. Rounding skillfully describes the rise and fall of second-empire Paris, combining historical accuracy with a thoughtful analysis of the dangers of the demi-mondaine . . . Evocative, lively, and ultimately heartbreaking. Richmond Times-Dispatch on Grandes Horizontales Well-researched, intelligent, and compassionate. Kirkus Reviews on Grandes Horizontales

Author Information

"VIRGINIA ROUNDING is a translator and writer who lives in London. She studied Russian at the University of London. She is the author of the critically acclaimed ""Catherine the Great"" and ""Grandes Horizontales."""

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