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The Romanovs
The Romanov dynasty has dazzled, intrigued, and confused the world for more than three centuries. These extraordinary monarchs wielded absolute power over the vast and violent lands of Russia. Savagery and opulence, asceticism and unparalleled luxury, deep piousness and insane cruelty existed side by side in the royal courts.
Historian Ian Grey threads his way through these turbulent centuries, his focus on the private lives of the tsars themselves, the rulers whose personal histories are entwined with the history of the empire. He brings to life the passions, rages, intrigues, and greatness of the remarkable men and women who guided the destiny of Russia and influenced and fascinated the world.
Historian Ian Grey threads his way through these turbulent centuries, his focus on the private lives of the tsars themselves, the rulers whose personal histories are entwined with the history of the empire. He brings to life the passions, rages, intrigues, and greatness of the remarkable men and women who guided the destiny of Russia and influenced and fascinated the world.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1970
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397 people want to read
About the author
Ian Grey
41 books13 followersIan Grey (5 May 1918 – 5 June 1996) was a New Zealand-born historian of Russian history.
He began his career as a lawyer, a member of the New South Wales Bar. In 1941 he joined the Australian navy and was posted at Naval Intelligence of the Admiralty in London, then serving in the Soviet Union as an officer. He served for two and a half years in the Russian north, acting as a liaison for British Destroyers of the Soviet Navy in the Arctic. He also served as Deputy Secretary-General and the editor of publications of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat from 1966 until his retirement. In 1971 he established the Parliamentary Information and Reference Centre.
He began his career as a lawyer, a member of the New South Wales Bar. In 1941 he joined the Australian navy and was posted at Naval Intelligence of the Admiralty in London, then serving in the Soviet Union as an officer. He served for two and a half years in the Russian north, acting as a liaison for British Destroyers of the Soviet Navy in the Arctic. He also served as Deputy Secretary-General and the editor of publications of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat from 1966 until his retirement. In 1971 he established the Parliamentary Information and Reference Centre.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 9, 2017
Very poorly written and researched. Details of Russian tsars are summarized too much causing the book to be misleading. It also jumps around between topics creating jarring interruptions to the flow of reading.
"They went too far with their worship of ikons."
Excuse you? Who are you to make that judgement on another religion? And why did you and your editors feel it was necessary to include that in a historic text? It is offensive to declare religious adherents as having "childlike simplicity" (aka they're stupid) and stating that the influence of the Church on their lives was "often negative".
I'd recommend those interested in this book read literally any other book than this one.
"They went too far with their worship of ikons."
Excuse you? Who are you to make that judgement on another religion? And why did you and your editors feel it was necessary to include that in a historic text? It is offensive to declare religious adherents as having "childlike simplicity" (aka they're stupid) and stating that the influence of the Church on their lives was "often negative".
I'd recommend those interested in this book read literally any other book than this one.
July 19, 2016
The inconsistent style of this book does a disservice to readers. It establishes an interesting and authoritative voice in the beginning, but it quickly starts to make generalizations without backing them up with evidence. For example, when the author talks about one of the early tsars, it's clear that a single source is being used and paraphrased. The tsar was "always" merciful. The tsar "never" made anybody suffer needlessly. This is not historical research. This is aping legend that aggrandizes a persona. It's insulting to readers for this to be passed off as history.
October 21, 2021
The word dynasty gets tossed around pretty freely these days, mostly in reference to sports franchises. Whether it's the Yankees, Patriots, Steelers, Edmonton Oilers, or Alabama football, the word seems to have lost its power to convey true dominance. However, when one goes back to politics and government, the foremost dynasty in the history of mankind is the Romanovs.
The House of Romanov (Romanoff) ruled Russia from 1613 to 1917. Born out of the Time of Troubles and the fall of the Godunov dynasty. The Zemsky Sobor of Russia cast about for a tsar to lead the nation; shockingly, none of the princes offered the title would accept it. Finally, they came to Mikhail Romanov, a sixteen year old boy...who promptly burst into tears. I can't say as I blame him; life expectancy in medieval royalty wasn't the greatest. Soon, he consented and the Romanovs were off to the races.
Naturally, a book of this length cannot cover 300 years and give everything fair coverage, but the book does get into the essentials behind each one. From Mikhail I to Nicholas II, the palace intrigues, forbidden lovers, gross debauchery, and stumbling diplomacy are covered in a way that will give the reader a good overview of the dynasty. This book can best serve as a jumping off point for the amateur historian to dive further into different tsars and tsarinas such as Peter I - III or Catherine II.
One cannot discuss the Romanov dynasty without the fall of the dynasty in 1917 at the hands of the communist party. The tragic end to their story does not get told, yet it probably should at least be covered. The autocratic monarchies of Europe were taken down in the wake of World War I, and Russia paid the heaviest price. The subject of their end should've been covered better than it was.
BOTTOM LINE: A great starter book for learning about the Romanov dynasty.
The House of Romanov (Romanoff) ruled Russia from 1613 to 1917. Born out of the Time of Troubles and the fall of the Godunov dynasty. The Zemsky Sobor of Russia cast about for a tsar to lead the nation; shockingly, none of the princes offered the title would accept it. Finally, they came to Mikhail Romanov, a sixteen year old boy...who promptly burst into tears. I can't say as I blame him; life expectancy in medieval royalty wasn't the greatest. Soon, he consented and the Romanovs were off to the races.
Naturally, a book of this length cannot cover 300 years and give everything fair coverage, but the book does get into the essentials behind each one. From Mikhail I to Nicholas II, the palace intrigues, forbidden lovers, gross debauchery, and stumbling diplomacy are covered in a way that will give the reader a good overview of the dynasty. This book can best serve as a jumping off point for the amateur historian to dive further into different tsars and tsarinas such as Peter I - III or Catherine II.
One cannot discuss the Romanov dynasty without the fall of the dynasty in 1917 at the hands of the communist party. The tragic end to their story does not get told, yet it probably should at least be covered. The autocratic monarchies of Europe were taken down in the wake of World War I, and Russia paid the heaviest price. The subject of their end should've been covered better than it was.
BOTTOM LINE: A great starter book for learning about the Romanov dynasty.
November 2, 2018
It’s like eating hot dogs until you can’t eat any more. It’s all good stuff - and the author sure knows his stuff- but it was often too tedious. The Russian names and places are as easily forgotten as they are impossible to comprehend.
Four stars because I learned alot, was disabused of some false facts, and enlightened about the tragedy of living three centuries under autocratic rule. Russia is so unique geographically that romantic notions of democracy and human rights were irrelevant notions, certainly not necessary policies. I was frustrated with reading how millions of serfs were considered animal-level property while their holy shepherds indulged in every possible debauchery, believing all they did was sanctioned by God. 🤮
A few Tzars could see and feel the plight of the dehumanized masses, but were unwilling to endanger their own security to help them.
In fact, many Of them spoke with the glowing language of enlightenment to the West while tightening the bands of misery for their people, fearing a loss of the critical support of the elites, who were all reactionary toward the idea of helping the oppressed.
It’s a very good history if you read it over time. Repeated themes appear in every age, and age old anomosities and challenges lived through centuries, eventually appearing in the modern era, including WW 2 and the Cold War.
I believe I am better for “beating” it. Like all good history, it opens ones eye to helpful truths, enabling us to understand the context and true nature of what it means to be human.
Four stars because I learned alot, was disabused of some false facts, and enlightened about the tragedy of living three centuries under autocratic rule. Russia is so unique geographically that romantic notions of democracy and human rights were irrelevant notions, certainly not necessary policies. I was frustrated with reading how millions of serfs were considered animal-level property while their holy shepherds indulged in every possible debauchery, believing all they did was sanctioned by God. 🤮
A few Tzars could see and feel the plight of the dehumanized masses, but were unwilling to endanger their own security to help them.
In fact, many Of them spoke with the glowing language of enlightenment to the West while tightening the bands of misery for their people, fearing a loss of the critical support of the elites, who were all reactionary toward the idea of helping the oppressed.
It’s a very good history if you read it over time. Repeated themes appear in every age, and age old anomosities and challenges lived through centuries, eventually appearing in the modern era, including WW 2 and the Cold War.
I believe I am better for “beating” it. Like all good history, it opens ones eye to helpful truths, enabling us to understand the context and true nature of what it means to be human.
September 23, 2017
My maternal ancestors lived in Poland under the Russian Empire. I am still researching this area of my family history, but after reading this book, I am just grateful that they survived to emigrate to the USA in 1913. What a hard and unrewarding life people on the lower rungs of the class ladder lived. You can understand why alcohol became a big part of the Russian peasant's life. Not only were they enslaved by the serf system, but they were the tax payers to support the empire and the aristocracy. Women at this level were treated even worst than the men. Surprisingly, the Tsars under the Romanov dynasty were aware of these deplorable conditions of existence, but to change these would alienate the landowners who depended on the system. The Tsar could not afford their support to swing to another contender for the throne.
This is the type of book that I will keep around for reference even as it depresses me.
This is the type of book that I will keep around for reference even as it depresses me.
July 5, 2023
This is First and Foremost a History Book
If you are looking for a romantic telling of the Romanov story, you will be disappointed. This is a detailed history of Russia during the 300 year reign of the Romanov dynasty. You will learn about wars and disputed areas of Europe and the fringes of the Russian Empire, you may never have heard about before. Have some maps handy and prepare to learn about a time in history that most of us have never studied. But, like all history, it helps explain some of the political problems we currently have. For example, the war between Russia and the Ukraine has really been going on for hundreds of years. Will the current war end in a lasting peace? Probably not.
If you are looking for a romantic telling of the Romanov story, you will be disappointed. This is a detailed history of Russia during the 300 year reign of the Romanov dynasty. You will learn about wars and disputed areas of Europe and the fringes of the Russian Empire, you may never have heard about before. Have some maps handy and prepare to learn about a time in history that most of us have never studied. But, like all history, it helps explain some of the political problems we currently have. For example, the war between Russia and the Ukraine has really been going on for hundreds of years. Will the current war end in a lasting peace? Probably not.
May 8, 2019
This was a very very long 400 year history of Russia's royal family. It originally drew my interest after seeing Anastasia on Broadway in NYC. I finished the book and have no idea where the history depicted in the screenplay fits it, if it is even true. The book provides some insights into the reign and achievements of Peter the Great and a couple of other leaders. It was interesting overall.
July 8, 2021
I have always been interested in the Russian history and Ian Grey has just given me that lesson. Besides the Russian names(found a bit challenging to remember), generally there has been sufficient research on the subject. I have learnt a lot from this piece.
January 28, 2018
A very good introduction, let's say, because the book is not that long. I made me read more about the subject. And... I could not stop reading it...
January 19, 2020
Poorly written. I often thought “where did that come from?” Just a narration of facts. Many times one paragrapb was totally unrelated to the next.
April 1, 2022
And still the fighting goes on
The Russians at war over the centuries... An interesting read in view of the present situation with Ukraine... Well researched.
The Russians at war over the centuries... An interesting read in view of the present situation with Ukraine... Well researched.
January 31, 2017
This book starts with the appointment of the first Romanov tsar in the early 17th century and goes up until the abdication of Nicholas in 1917. It provides a lot of basic information on the family and their reigns. However, I was somewhat put off by the writing style, which I thought somewhat simple. I ended up skipping a lot of it, and then reading the final section on the reign of Nicholas. I also was disappointed that it didn't go past the abdication.
July 6, 2016
A fairly interesting look at 300 years of Russian history. Each tsar from Mikhail to Nicholas is examined for his or her actions that contributed to the Romanov dynasty. Naturally, some are better known than others, but I learned a good deal about these autocrats.
February 17, 2024
The book centers around Russian history and the succession of Russian leaders who ruled as part of the extended family of the Romanovs. It's also biographical and factual, like reading an entry in an encyclopedia.
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May 8, 2011Mildly dry, but the truth of Russian history more than makes up for it.
August 30, 2015
Great book on Russian history.
August 1, 2016
A valuable history of the romanovs
An interesting and well researched history. Full of interesting facts. I would have liked details of the family to the present day
An interesting and well researched history. Full of interesting facts. I would have liked details of the family to the present day
September 9, 2016
Summarized & informative.
October 2, 2016
Really excellent biography of the Romanov dynasty--I was as captivated as if I were reading fiction!
December 5, 2016
Well written factual account of the Romanov's 300 year rule of Russian. Gave me a better understanding of Russia's history.
June 20, 2017
To me this seems a mediocre translation of a Soviet-era history book.
August 2, 2017
A very detailed journey through the centuries of Romanov rule in Russia. The parallels to modern day Russia can definitely be seen. Although I was hoping for more details that would humanize the cast of characters, this is definitely a comprehensive look at the Romanov rule. Some parts are more captivating than others as some include personal details and some just list more historical points.
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September 18, 2017A lot of facts with limited discussion
A fact-based narrative of the Romaov dynasty. I would prefer more conclusions and development of some themes. For example, why did Russia continue with such an autocratic regime when the rest of Europe was liberalizing? Were the, Roanovs the cause or the effect of such a terrible society - like we still see today. Perhaps Russians have always had the government they deserved. Alas, this book doesn't engage the reader in such discussions.
A fact-based narrative of the Romaov dynasty. I would prefer more conclusions and development of some themes. For example, why did Russia continue with such an autocratic regime when the rest of Europe was liberalizing? Were the, Roanovs the cause or the effect of such a terrible society - like we still see today. Perhaps Russians have always had the government they deserved. Alas, this book doesn't engage the reader in such discussions.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews