This book is an overview of the Romanov Dynasty from the founding Czar, Michael, who ascended the throne in 1613, to the last Czar, Nicholas II, who’s reign ended in 1917 with the Russian Revolution. 300 years of rule, and Virginia Cowles does not present a pretty picture.

It turns out that Peter the Great was really not so great. He was barbarous, crude, and sadistic; worse than Ivan the Terrible. His “great” status mostly came from his military exploits. “The clergy saw Peter as the anti-christ; the nobility as a man who sold Russia’s soul to foreigners.” The rest of the population were serfs and allowed no opinion at all. And unfortunately, it goes downhill from there.

Czarina Anna is described as ugly, vulgar, dirty, and crude. Peter the III was at the very least immature and weak, at the very worse mentally challenged and delusional.

And then there was Catherine the Great. I just finished reading Robert Massie’s "Catherine the Great" which, by the way, was excellent and there is a stark contrast in the writing styles of Massie and Cowles. Massie reveals the human side of the royalty, He goes back in time, sets the world stage, and then takes the reader right into the heart of the Romanov palace. Not that Catherine becomes a sympathetic character, but she certainly loved the Russian people and suffered anxiety and stress over her decisions as Empress. Massie does not pass judgement. Cowles, on the other hand, judges the royalty from afar with the wisdom of hindsight. Cold hard historical facts, mingled with contempt. Cowles labels Catherine “a murderer, usurper, and whore.”

"The Romanovs" is well written; a quick read with lots of photos. It is a good way to become acquainted with this portion of Russian history. There is also a glimpse of the role played by some of the giants of the literary world: Voltaire, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Gogol, and Turgenev. Cowles explains the emergence of nihilists, and the birth of Bolshevism. A good reference for the comprehensive overview of the Romanovs, but if you want more substance in specific areas and an emotionally charged dramatic story try one of Robert Massie’s books.

ADDENDUM: written in 2019
Recently having read "Peter the Great" by Robert Massie (Rated 5 Stars) I question the validity of Virginia Cowles assessment of the Romanovs. I assume the historical facts are all true but upon reading Massie’s 855 page tome offering details of Tsar Peter’s life from birth to death (with as many as 1000 references cited), I have acquired deep admiration and respect for Peter the Great. He was great! Virginia Cowles obviously let her personal political views shape the content of her documentary. ( )