Nicholas and Alexandra

Rating:
Summary: A Fine Book
Review: When this book first appeared in 1967, nothing anything like it had ever existed before. There were the original emigré accounts, most of them written in the 1920's and 1930's, which contained personal memories of the last tsar and his family from many points of view. There were the other historical sources which gave, for example, descriptions of Russian and European society in the time of Nicholas II, along with depictions of the cataclysmic events of war, revolution and regicide. The real brilliance of Robert Massie's "Nicholas and Alexandra" lies in the fact that he was able to weave these far-flung historical narratives into an intensely readable and informative whole, in the process resurrecting the last tsar and his family from the murky mists of time which had made them all but vanish from the attention of the world. A whole Romanov industry exists today, producing several new books on this tragic family every year. The public's fascination with this field, however, must surely be traced back to Massie's astonishing "Nicholas and Alexandra." It is a work of nearly faultless scholarship, fidelity to historical sources, and deeply moving human interest. It is unthinkable that one should let one's life pass by and leave this book unread. Get yourself a copy, loan it if you must, but don't ever let it stray forever from your shelves. It's that good.

Rating:
Summary: Why it doesn't pay to marry for love, at least for a Czar
Review: Robert Massie's book is spellbinding. I've reread it a dozen times, and each time I haven't been able to put it down. He paints such a vivid picture of the Imperial family, the Russian people, Rasputin, and the terror and uncertainty of the Revolution and its aftermath that I find it difficult to believe he wasn't there.

I'm especially taken by his description of the relationship between Nicholas and Alexandra. He loved her, respected her, and valued her advice; but he may have been wrong to do so. It may have been his fatal mistake. Superstitious, distrustful and pathologically shy, Alix of Hesse-Darmstadt was not cut out to be the consort of an autocrat. When disaster struck, as it did when Alexei's hemophilia was diagnosed, she made poor decisions and refused to listen to wiser counsel. She may not have been the sole or even the main trigger of the Revolution, but a stronger wife would have made Nicholas a stronger czar, able to fight the Bolsheviks and win. Alexandra merely gave the enemies of the Czar another reason for revolution.

My only concern with this book is that Massie was born too early (or wrote the book too soon). We've learned a great deal in the past few years about the fate of the Romanovs and their last days at Yekaterinburg. Massie of course couldn't have known that the official story of the Imperial Family's death was a lie; a reasonable reader wouldn't expect him to. However, those who use _Nicholas and Alexandra_ as a historical text would profit from further reading.

Rating:
Summary: History that reads like exciting fiction
Review: The story of the last of the Romanovs is one that still keeps audiences interested, whether the focus is the revolution or the Mad Monk. This is the last gasp of old style royalty that the 20th Century was to experience and despite Massie's tendency to somewhat romanticize his subjects, the domestic tribulations of Nicholas and Alexandra make an interesting and illustrative foil for the civil strife that was going on outside the palace. It is fascinating to read some of the anecdotes recounted in this book that show the Tsar and his family to be, in many ways, an ordinary family, yet at the same time probably the wealththiest family in the world at the time. The dispair and extreme poverty of Russian peasantry is very lightly treated here, but then, this is the Romanov's story and like royalty everywhere and at all times, they were isolated from direct confrontation with unpleasant sights and sounds.

Whatever else, this is a great story - of love, family tragedy, political blundering, inepept military decisions, court intrigue, conspicuous consumption, religious meddling, hypocracy, self deception, and hope - all part of the opening act of the new century. The old world of Tsarist glitter passes and the new world of Bolshevik drabness begins - and Nicholas and Alexandra are, with their family, caught in the middle.

Rating:
Summary: A delightful account of Russia's last Imperial Family
Review: Robert K. Massie's account of the last days of tsarist Russia is intelligently written. Even if one is not historically inclined, one will automatically find onself drawn to this tragic tale. The book is so desciptive that one is almost lead to believe that Massie himself witnessed every event. If I must add any criticism of the book, it would be that Massie overestimates the the influence that Rasputin had on the fall of the Imperial government. It is true that Rasputin helped hasten the government's downfall , but it would have fell nonetheless due its subjection to a weak ruler and his neurotic wife. In all fairness, I must say that this minor point is not enough to dissuade me from giving it five stars. It is a must read for all those who love history, especially Russian history!

Rating:
Summary: It's a wonderful book to learn about Nicholas and Alexandra
Review: Massie wonderfully depicts the pain and tragedy of Nicholas and Alexandra. He makes an old story come to life and makes the tale of love between family members special and meaningful. He turns facts into feelings, and makes your heart break for Nicholas and Alexandria and their children. This is the best history book I have ever read, and I've read a lot.

Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: This is a romantic novel and very hard to put down. Filled with facts, it's hard to put down.

Rating:
Summary: As expected, superb book by Massie!
Review: This is an excellent book that is difficult to put down. I read this after reading Massie's Peter the Great and think they are both great books. I will read all other books by Massie and highly recommend both Peter the Great and Nicholas and Alexandra.

Rating:
Summary: Awe-Inspiring
Review: I was thirteen when I first travelled to Russia. I had no interest in the Romanovs. It was only when I returned to the US that I picked up this masterpiece, and I only did so because of Alexandra's relationship to Victoria of England.

I could have kicked myself for not appreciating the history of Imperial Russia that was brought to life to me by the brilliant writing of this book. I read it in two days, and due to it, I began I life-long passion for the Romanovs.

Rating:
Summary: Romantically written as well as an excellent reference
Review: My parents presented Mr. Massie's book to me when I was 17 years old, a high school student who hated history so much. However, the intrigue, drama, action and romance in the book have changed my idea of learning history. In fact, I have keen interest in learning and enjoying history not only to support my profesional life as a journalist and a news anchor, but also to entertain my self during week ends or vacation.

Thank you Mr. Massie, I will treasure your Nicholas & Alexandra.

Arief Suditomo SCTV-Indonesia

Rating:
Summary: Informative and educational; useful for former Soviets
Review: My Soviet upbringing and education have never provided any in-depth analysis of the last Emperial family, thus reading this book was very educational. I wish I knew these facts when I was still in the USSR. For the first time I have clearly realized the complexity and charm of my motherland, thanks to the author. There is a feeling of love and affection to Russia and its people throughout the book.

I only disagree with the main underlying theme of the book that Alexis' desease brought Russia to its collapse - this would be naive to believe - however I understand the author's personal bias.

Solid read and thorough analysis on the author's part. Thank you for a good historical overview!