Memories

The memoirs of Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich, grandson of Nicholas I and son-in-law of Alexander III, are not only a description of his life with remarkably interesting details of court etiquette, the peculiarities of upbringing and education of the children... of the Romanov house. This is the view of a smart, educated, devoted man to his country on a complex period in Russian history. The Russo-Turkish War and the first experience of recognizing real life beyond the palace gates; yet another assassination attempt on the tsar, his morganatic marriage, then the death and ascension to the throne of Alexander III, whom the Grand Duke sincerely admires for his strength and intelligence. Then the terrible events following the accession of Nicholas II: Khodynka, revolution, war, another revolution, the death of the royal family, the escape from the country of the Grand Duke's family. He tells his story without unnecessary pathos and drama, soberly assessing the tragic events and the figures of their participants, trying to understand the meaning of what is happening and his own existence.