The Romanovs - by Lindsey Hughes (Paperback)

About the Book

A vivid and original portrait of the entire Romanov family, who shaped Russian history and politics for three centuries and whose legacy still sparks the public's imagination.

Book Synopsis

Almost all written histories of the period leading up to World War II stress political, diplomatic, and ideological conflicts. Arguing that previous historians have confused effect for cause and have considered these conflicts without reference to the systemic problems that provoked them. Paul Hehn focuses on the fierce rivalries among the Great Powers in the relentless search for markets during the world depression of the 1930s. These rivalries were exacerbated particularly in southeastern Europe where Germany dominated the economies and trade arenas of its neighbors in a semi-colonial manner. In A Low Dishonest Decade, Hehn surveys the five Major Powers and all the Eastern European countries from the Baltic to Turkey. But he primarily canvases the economic situations in strategic locations like Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Yugoslavia.

Review Quotes

'A history achieved with consummate skill ... an illuminating and admirably balanced narrative account' - Literary Review

'Always thoughtful, measured, witty and deeply informed ... The originality of her perspective and the range of her knowledge guarantee that The Romanovs will be beneficial to specialists, students and the general public for a long time to come.' - Revolutionary Russia

'More than a testimony to Hughes' remarkable spirit, this is the best book in English on the subject, illuminated by a deep knowledge of Russia's imperial past, wide in scope yet admirable in its concision, and infused with a subtlety of interpretation free of the overheated, romantic treatment that has clouded most previous accounts.'- Douglas Smith, Times Literary Supplement

'Ony {Hughes} ... could have written such a wide-ranging, scholarly and captivating distillation of the entire history of the Romanov family. The book is enlivened at all points by discussions of painting, architecture, and statuary; Hughes's command of detail is stunning.' - David Saunders, School of Historical Studies, Newcastle University

'This scholarly and captivating book brilliantly displays Lindsey Hughes' deep knowledge of Russia's imperial past.' - Good Book Guide

"Hughes presents an updated narrative of the Romanov dynasty, grounded firmly in recent scholarship. The book brims with interesting details about the family and life at court. Hughes has a great eye for the visual and symbolic aspects of court life and makes fine use of portraits and images throughout the text. Scholars will find much of interest in this book."-The Journal of Modern History

About the Author

Lindsey Hughes was Professor in the School of Slavonic and East European Studies at University College London, UK.