Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 156852160X, Hardcover)

The Romanov dynasty assumed control over Russia in 1613 and ruled uninterruptedly for the next three centuries. Never in history has one family wielded so much power. John Bergamini's classic work captures and conveys their ruthlessness and religiosity, their political acumen and wild extravagance. In so doing he offers profound character studies of some of history's most intriguing figures. Stirring, provocative and chastening, the history of the Romanov dynasty is in a very real sense the history of Russia itself.