Looks at the ways that current dramatic shifts in the domestic and global economy have their roots in the 2008 economic crisis and its aftermath, exploring novel themes in the way the crisis has played out for the past decade and will influence the future.
The acclaimed author of Young Stalin presents an accessible and lively account of the extraordinary rulers of Russia over three centuries, drawing on new archival material. This chronicle highlights the complex emperors and empresses of the Romanov dynasty (1613-1917), examining the dynamics of their courts and the interplay of personality and power. By exploring archives that became available after the USSR's fall, the author reveals the realities behind storied rulers like Catherine the Great and Nicholas II, along with lesser-known figures such as Elizaveta, daughter of Peter the Great, and Alexander II, known for his scandalous affairs. The narrative illuminates the eighteenth-century Age of the Imperial Petticoat and the remarkable political-amorous partnership between Catherine the Great and Prince Potemkin. It also uncovers the decadence and folly often obscured in the romanticized portrayal of Nicholas II, the last Tsar. With a strong scholarly foundation, this work is both informative and entertaining, showcasing the author's storytelling prowess and historical insight.