"For 300 years the history of Russia was inextricably linked to that of one family: the Romanovs. Tracing their line back to Tsar Michael and claiming a divine right to reign, they shaped the history of Russia, for better or for worse, over three centuries. Their influence defined the politics, society, art and philosophy of the time and led to the establishment of Russia as one of the great world powers." "When they gathered to celebrate their tercentenary in 1913, the Romanovs' grip on Russia had begun to loosen. Rasputin had prophesied their demise and his unpopular influence on the Tsar was growing. The strain of WWI had spread unrest throughout Russia. On July 17th, 1918, three hundred and four years of the Romanov dynasty ended when Tsar Nicholas II, his wife and five children were brutally murdered by a Bolshevik execution squad." "This work paints a vivid picture of the entire family and draws out their unique contribution to the creation of Russia. By bringing the characters of the Tsars and their family to life Lindsey Hughes has added much to our knowledge of this fascinating dynasty."--BOOK JACKET.