Description: Great look at Russian history in NICHOLAS AND ALEXANDRA. This 613 page hardback by Robert K. Massie was published in 1967. With a sweeping and often colorful narrative, “Nicholas and Alexandra” adroitly fuses two genres of non-fiction: biography and history. At its core, this is a dual-biography of Nicholas II (1868-1918) and his German-born wife (1872-1918). But it also provides piercing, if incomplete, insight into the fall of the Russian empire and the rise of notable figures such as Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky and Josef Stalin. The tragic fate of this odd aristocratic couple seems immutably influenced by their son’s hemophilia, Nicholas’s inability to recognize growing discontent among the Russian populace and Alexandra’s unshakable faith in Grigori Rasputin’s mystical healing powers. What results when meticulous research meets an uncommon penchant for storytelling is an engaging and informative tale of the fall of the Romanov dynasty. Outstanding individual moments in the book include Massie’s review of Nicholas’s 1894 coronation, a vibrant description of the Tsar’s private village (Tsarskoe Selo), a masterful portrait of the notorious Rasputin, an expert dissection of the personalities and family dynamics of the Tsar’s family and, finally, an engrossing chapter devoted to the nearly-bungled plot to assassinate Rasputin. The first one-third of Massie’s book is nearly as good as biography can be. Nearing its halfway point, the narrative becomes somewhat more tedious as it tackles the increasingly complex nuances of Russian political instability and social unrest. The final chapters, however, are increasingly captivating as the beleaguered Tsar abdicates power and is eventually arrested and executed (along with his wife, children and dog). Overall, Robert Massie’s “Nicholas and Alexandra” is a serious and soaring account of the lives of the last Emperor and Empress of Russia, their closest family members and the colorful characters who surrounded them. Readers interested in the demise of the Russian empire will find the narrative full of intriguing insights. But anyone who values great biography will also appreciate the captivating characters and colorful narrative. Great, great reading in this book in good condition. Clean unmarked pages. Small tanned area on inside front and back boards. Wear on DJ edges with small open teas, gouges and rubbing. Shipping and handling 5.40 Media Mail to US destinations (HEAVY BOOK WEIGHS OVER TWO POUNDS). Canadian residents 30.35 Flat Rate Padded Envelope. All others welcome but extra postage required and shipped entirely at your risk.
Price: 2.9 USD
Location: Milton, Florida
End Time: 2024-08-14T02:49:36.000Z
Shipping Cost: 5.4 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Book Title: Nicholas
Format: Hardcover
Publication Year: 1967
Author: Massie
Language: English
