W. Bruce Lincoln (1938–2000)

Bruce Lincoln's passion for russia comes thru clearly in this lengthy account. It is a Bio of the Romanov's and a survey history of Russia. Now and then the transitions are a bit odd, but in fairness I could not see a better way than that which he chose. There is just so much included that some back and forth in time is inevitable. Despite the almost certainty that the biological Romanovs died out when Catherine the Great ascended the throne, he gives the full story of the autocracy to it's show more sad and violent end. show less

This is a great history of the Romanov dynasty that teeters between biography and the novel. In some places, it is literally a page-turner. It's not as analytical as some historical texts, but Lincoln provides more than enough information to allow the reader to make his/her own decisions. Every detail is perfectly groomed for presentation, and few stones are left unturned. This book is accessible (ie, those with little background in Russian history will find it intriguing and highly show more readable) and informative. The only complaint I have is that, occassionaly, it jumps around in time in peculiar ways (but this is not something that really causes one to get lost or confused). show less

If you're looking for the definitive work on this most interesting historical figure, this book is as close as you'll probably get. Tsar Nicholas I was an extremely significant and interesting Russian leader, who is too often over-looked today and or dismissed as simply an overly authoritative despot. He was an absolute autocrat, but as a man and in his historical context such simplifications are insulting.

Lincoln's style of writing is very enjoyable, it is presented in a way that is show more approachable for someone with no previous knowledge of the subject, but is still satisfying to the more passionate follower of the history. Lincoln covers Nicholas' life from birth, to the circumstances which led to his ascension, to his unfortunate last years as Tsar (the period which tends to be erroneously represented as what his entire 30 year reign was like) and everything inbetween. He discusses the historical context and significance of everything and paints a realistic picture of Russia's 'apogee of autocracy'.

This book is an excellent read, highly informative and well worth paying for. It should provide the modern history student with a properly balanced assessment of the reign of the eternally impressive Tsar Nicholas I. show less

In War's Dark Shadow is the history of Russia beginning in 1891 and ending at the onset of WW I. My main interest in reading it was to further my education about how and why the country ended up having a revolution in 1917. This book satisfied that objective. There are many chapters dedicated to the cultural climate......the peasant life, the small but powerful middle class, the Jewish pogroms, and the unyielding monarchy. Very informative! It held my interest as much as any good novel about show more Russia. show less