Nicholas II

by Hélène Carrère d'Encausse

Book Overview

Presents a detailed history of the last Romanov czar, Nicholas II, whose execution ushered in the Communist era in Russia. Examines his early years growing up in the imperial court, and provides... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0841913978
• ISBN13: 9780841913974
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Holmes & Meier Publishers
• Length: 321 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Readable and Interesting

A well-written and enjoyable work, d'Encausse offers a new interpretive approach to Nicholas II's influence upon the course of Russian history. Rather than weak and insecure, Nicholas II emerges with strongly held convictions of his obligations as autocrat though plagued by the realization of Russia's need to modernize. As for Empress Alexandra and Rasputin, they were ultimately unable to change Nicholas's fundamental positions on domestic or foreign policy. Shadowing Nicholas II's vision of Russian autocracy, d'Encausse also portrays a Russia experiencing sweeping changes in its social, economic, and political structures, changes which were largely the work of Nicholas's own ministers. Virtually until the last months before the revolutions of 1917, d'Encausse emphasizes options remaining to Nicholas II and, thus, leaving open the course of Russian history. Within the context of 1917 and the end of the autocracy, Russia's journey towards a modern democratic society were interrupted by Lenin and the Bolsheviks. Clearly recognizing these competing themes, d'Encausse provokes the reader to reassess Nicholas II as a leader, a historical actor, and one working apparently against the historical currents for change dominating his reign. Overall, this work presents an intriguing reassessment of Russian history and the role of great persons.

Textbook Read

Very informative book, but qualifies more as a textbook than nonfiction. Not an easy read, (keep a dictionary handy) but crammed full of essential and interesting information for all fans of Nicholas II. Would be a great reference resource for anyone researching Nicholas II or Russia during this era.