Customer Reviews

Romanovs: Ruling Russia 1613-1917

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a very well-written history of the Romanov dynasty and its effect on the Russia it ruled for more than 300 years. The late author paints a vivid picture of even the most unheralded tsar, and the political and social life at the time of each reign. I would have wished for a bit more of the history of the expansion of the country, but I understand that in a sweeping narrative of this type there is not room for everything, or else the book will rival "War and Peace" in length. Occasionally the plethora of Russian names gets a bit confusing, but that isn't a distraction from the inherent quality of the work. If you are fascinated about Russian history, as I am, you will definitely enjoy this work.

The book is a well written summary of the orgins of the Romanovs and their ultimate claim to the Russian throne. Each of the Tsars ,who ruled during the three hundred and four years of the Romanov dynasty, has a chapter that discusses their reign in a concise fashion. I recommend the book for those who are interested in the Tsars and their affect on the Russian people and the disaster which they caused with the culmination of the Russian Revolution of 1917.

The book is rather brief on some very large topics. As an example, the overview of Peter I was far too short and did not enter anywhere near enough discussion on why the move to St Petersburg, how it came about and what it meant to the rest of the power base. This book is fine for an overview but it does lack real substance. Those looking for any detail will be dissapointed, those wanting to get a base line of knowledge will be happy.

Information wise the book was ok - it covered a lot of subjects and poorly waved the people together. I fell like this book could have been longer and at one time was, but a lot of info was cut out. There were times that it seemed to me that it jumped from topic to topic, I am giving the author the benefit of the doubt when I say that information was cut out. Because either it was weathered down or just poorly written. It did not do a very good job on showing who these people were just highlighted some of the things they did. I would not even say this book gave me a good base or foundation on the Romanos.

History of a topic long of interest, but to review this would be a disservice to the author. Exellent, easy interesting read.