Books

BOOK REVIEW: ‘The Lost World of Imperial Russia’

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

Book review by Mikhail Smirnov, published on Russian Faith

A Great Book for those Interested in Orthodox Culture

I had the opportunity to review the new book, “The Lost World of Imperial Russia“, by Russian historian, Paul Gilbert. This book is available at Amazon for a decent price and I do recommend it for your Orthodox library. There are indeed a number of illustrated books on Russia, but this one is from a purely Orthodox perspective, that captures key elements of the Orthodox empire of Russia. Saints such as John of Kronstadt, and many others, are displayed in the book. Many churches and ecclesial events are also displayed…pictures that are very hard to find and very helpful for those who research Russia and plan on visiting Russia. I intend to bring this book the next time I visit, primarily because, again, it is most purely Orthodox.

It’s certainly a good coffee table book, but the more I look at it the more I see it as a travel book. It’s approximately 8.5×11, so it’s not too big, and not very heavy. Most importantly it has the right stuff in it for those who really want to experience Russia in the way we believe it should be experienced.

On that note of experiencing Russia, I would like to add that what Paul reveals here is foundational for Orthodox Christians or those seeking Orthodoxy, but from my experience, the more miraculous experiences happen from how you “live and leave” these areas. Many of these places are holy sites, where saints dwelled and worked, and where angels still dwell and work. So, locating the right place, as you can find in this book, and then praying and maybe even spending time at these places will enable you to experience the grace of God when you need it in everyday life.

Get the book, not necessarily to see nice pics, but to begin your journey to Holy Russia. The war will clear soon and it will be relatively easy to travel there. Open the book, pray to God, and then go!

© Mikhail Smirnov. 16 November 2022

The Murder of the Romanovs: The Authentic Account

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

*This title is available from AMAZON in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia,
France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Japan

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION @ $19.99 USD

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE HARD COVER EDITION @ $24.99 USD

English. 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ format, 336 pages, illustrated

Bulygin’s memoirs are of great historical importance, providing details of the last days of Emperor Nicholas II and his family, and the investigation into their murder, which continues to this day. Originally published in 1935, this is the first English-language edition in nearly 90 years!

This book falls into two parts: the first by Alexander Fyodorovich Kerensky (1881-1970), the second by Captain Paul Petrovich Bulygin (1896-1936). Both Bulygin and Kerensky write from personal experience and eye-witness accounts.

In the first part, Provisional Party leader Alexander Kerensky offers a firsthand account of the events leading to the downfall of the Russian monarchy in February 1917. Kerensky outlines the background, and the steps leading to the regicide. He explains in his own words, his personal impressions of Nicholas II, his family and his entourage. He goes on to discuss why he chose to send the Tsar and his family into exile to Tobolsk. The main body of his memoirs, however, is a first hand account of the murder, of the abortive attempts to forestall it, and attempts to rescue the Imperial Family, told with a fervour and horror that time has failed to erase.

In the second part, Captain Paul Bulygin recalls the last months and death of Emperor Nicholas II and his family. Bulygin, who was a member of the Imperial Guard, reconstructs his role in an attempt to rescue the Imperial Family, during their captivity in Ekaterinburg, between April to July 1918.

Paul Bulygin served as an officer in the Russian Imperial Army, formerly in command of the personal guard of Nicholas II’s mother the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna. In 1919, he assisted Nikolai Sokolov, in his investigation of their death in Ekaterinburg.

Bulygin argues that the order to murder the Tsar and his family came directly from Lenin.

Paul Gilbert’s Romanov Bookshop on AMAZON

I have published more than 30 titles to date through AMAZON – featuring one of the largest selections of books on Nicholas II, the Romanov dynasty and the history of Imperial Russia. These include both new titles and reprints of titles which have out of print for years.

Please CLICK on the BANNER or LINK above to review my current selection of titles in hardcover, paperback and ebook editions. Listings provide a full description for each title, pricing and a Look inside feature.

© Paul Gilbert. 7 November 2022

The Path of the Tsar’s Family: “Evil will not conquer evil, but only love”

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

I am publishing this post, with the hope that one of the numerous Orthodox publishing houses in the United States, will consider translating and publishing an English-lanaguage edition of this book, compiled by Sergey Milov in 2018, to mark the 100th anniversary of the death and martyrdom of the Holy Royal Martyrs.

This gift book tells about the life and accomplishments of the Holy Royal Family – the martyrs – the last Russian Emperor-Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Empress Alexandra Feodorovna and their children – Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia and Tsesarevich Alexei. More than a century has passed since the tragic death and martyrdom of the Imperial Family, however, their veneration by Orthodox Christians continues to increase every year.

The contents include a foreword; individual chapters on the Emperor, the Empress, the Grand Duchesses and the Heir Tsesarevich; feats of the Imperial Family; their house arrest at Tsarskoye Selo, Tobolsk and Ekaterinburg; questions about the Ekaterinburg remains; and their glorification by the Russian Orthodox Church.

This book was published in Russian in 2018 by Letopis Orthodox Publishing House (Moscow). It is available in a small 9 x 13 cm [3-1/2″ x 5″] hard cover format, perfect for carrying in your pocket. The book features 256 pages, with illustrations. A total of 10,000 copies were published.

Copies of the Russian-language of this title can be purchased from Knigomania (Canada); Vasha-Kniga (United States) or Ruslania (EU).

© Paul Gilbert. 7 October 2022

Proceedings of the 1st International Nicholas II Conference

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

*This title is available from AMAZON in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia,
France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Japan

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION @ $30.00 USD

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE HARD COVER EDITION @ $40.00 USD

I am pleased to offer the proceedings of the 1st International Nicholas II Conference, in both hard cover and paperback editions, available exclusively from AMAZON.

The original edition of these proceedings published in 2018 is out of print. This NEW edition, has been revised and updated, featuring three additional articles, plus a comprehensive bibliography featuring more than 100 English-language titles on the life, reign and era of Russia’s much slandered Tsar.

In addition, this new edition also features full-colour photographs of the event, illustrated with 50 colour and black and white photographs.

* * * * *

In the autumn of 2018, people from nearly a dozen countries gathered in Colchester, England for a conference marking the 150th anniversary of the birth and the 100th anniversary of the death martyrdom of Russia’s last Tsar.

Five speakers, including Paul Gilbert, Archpriest Andrew Philips (ROCOR), Nikolai Krasnov, authors Frances Welch and Marilyn Swezey presented seven papers on Nicholas II.

Lectures included “A Century of Treason, Cowardice and Lies,” “Why Nicholas II is a Saint in the Russian Orthodox Church,” “Nicholas II and the Sacredness of a Monarchy,” “Nicholas II in Post-Soviet Russia,” among others.

The Grand Duchess Elizabeth Romanov Society UK were kind enough to provide 10 exhibit banners from the society’s mobile exhibition Romanovs During the First World War: Charity and Heroism. Click HERE to read a short summary of the Nicholas II Conference, held in Colchester, England on 27th October 2018.

The conference was timed to coincide with two exhibitions, held in London: The Last Tsar: Blood and Revolution at the Science Museum and Russia: Royalty and the Romanovs at the Queen’ Gallery, Buckingham Palace.

© Paul Gilbert. 6 September 2022

2 new Romanov titles coming this fall

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

I have not offered any new book titles through my AMAZON Bookshop – specializing in books on the life, reign and era of Nicholas II – since April. My cancer diagnosis in April, surgery in May, and chemo treatment since, pretty much brought my work to a grinding halt.

Despite the side effects from the chemo – which on some days leaves me very tired and drained of energy – I am pleased to say, that I am now slowly returning to my writing.

Pending no further health setbacks, I plan on publishing 2 NEW titles in September [with additional titles planned for the remaining months of this year]: one on Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, the other on Anna Vyrubova. Both titles will be available exclusively through AMAZON.

An annoucement will be made here on my blog, my Facebook page, and to those who subscribe to my bi-weekly news updates (by e-mail), when these titles are available.

THANK YOU to all of you who support my work in keeping the memory of the Imperial Family and the history of Imperial Russia alive!

OLGA: GRAND DUCHESS OLGA ALEXANDROVNA
Paperback. 148 pages

This book is a tribute to one of the most beloved and respected members of the Russian Imperial Family: Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna (1882-1960).

The first part explores her Russian, Danish and Canadian years respectively; the second part explores her love of painting – Olga painted more than 2,000 in her life; the third is about her work and dedication as a nurse during WWI; the fourth is an interview with her daughter-in-law Olga Kulikovsky-Romanoff (1926-2020), who shares her husband Tikhon’s anecdotes and details about his mother: the Grand Duchess of Russia.

Richly illustrated with more than 100 black and white photos

ANNA: ANNA ALEXANDROVNA TANEEVA-VYRUBOVA
Paperback. 172 pages

Anna Alexandrovna Vyrubova (née Taneyeva), was born on 16th July 1884. She is most famous as the lady-in-waiting, the best friend and confidante of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. She also become one of Grigorii Rasputin’s (1869-1916) most influential advocates.

This new book features 7 chapters, including a synopsis of Vyrubova’s memoirs – published in the 1920s; her home in Tsarskoye Selo; an interview with Anna in 1917; her life in exile in Finland; efforts to have her canonized, among others.

Vyrubova died in exile on 20th July 1964, at the age of 80. She was buried in the Orthodox section of Hietaniemi cemetery in Helsinki.

Illustrated with more than 60 black and white photographs

© Paul Gilbert. 31 August 2022

‘Nicholas II: The Last Orthodox Tsar of Russia’ with Paul Gilbert achieves 100,000 views!

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

CLICK HERE or ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO WATCH VIDEO
Duration: 19 min., 40 sec. English with Closed Captioning

On 28th June 2022, the video ‘Nicholas II: The Last Orthodox Tsar of Russia’ surpassed more than 100,000 views on YouTube! The video was produced in July 2020, by the Holy Monastery of St. John the Forerunner of Mesa Potamos in Cyprus.

“This video production is based on the research of project colleague and independent researcher Paul Gilbert, who also presents this video.”

I am truly honoured to be a research colleague of this important publishing project. I am most grateful to Father Prodromos Nikolaou and the Holy Monastery of St. John the Forerunner of Mesa Potamos in Cyprus for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this new video which tells the story about Russia’s last Orthodox Christian monarch.

Emperor Nicholas II reigned for 22 years. With his murder, the last Orthodox Christian monarch, along with the thousand-year history of thrones and crowns in Russia, ended, ushering in an era of lawlessness, apostasy, and confusion, one which would sweep Holy Orthodox Russia into an abyss which would last more than 70 years.

The creators have done a remarkable job of incorporating a wonderful collection of photos – both vintage B&W and colourized by Olga Shirnina (aka KLIMBIM) – vintage newsreel film footage and music.

One viewer noted on my Facebook page: “Only 20 minutes long, this is the BEST portrayal of the last Tsar’s Orthodox faith I have ever seen. Very well-made, historical and moving.”

The crowning moment of the video is near the end, which shows film footage of the actual canonization ceremony performed on 20th August 2000 by Patriarch Alexei II (1929-2008) in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow. You can hear His Holiness calling out each of the names of the Imperial Family. The footage is extremely moving to watch.

This 20-minute video is presented in the framework of the production of the book The Romanov Royal Martyrs: What Silence Could Not Conceal published by Mesa Potamos Publications in 2019.

***

READ THE BOOK . . .

*This title is available from AMAZON in the USA, UK, Canada,
Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and Japan

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION @ $9.99 USD

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Paperback edition. 134 pages + 23 black & white photos

This book is not only for Orthodox and non-Orthodox persons, but for any one who shares an interest in the life, death, and martyrdom of the Holy Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II.

An illustrated Introduction by independent researcher Paul Gilbert explores the piety of Nicholas II, and his devotion to the Russian Orthodox Church, which reached its fullest development and power, during his 22-year reign.

This book further examines the trials and tribulations the Tsar endured, which later led to his canonization by the Russian Orthodox Church.

This unique collection of writings helps dispel many of the negative myths which persist to this very day, a must read for any one who seeks to learn the truth about Nicholas II.

Gilbert has compiled this collection of writings as part of his mission to clear the name of Russia’s much slandered Tsar, and my own personal journey to Orthodoxy.

Holy Tsar Martyr Nicholas II, Pray to God for Us! 🙏

Святой Царь Мученик Николай, Моли Бога о Нас! 🙏

© Paul Gilbert. 28 June 2022

KOSTYA: Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

*This title is available from AMAZON in the USA, UK, Canada,
Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and Japan

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION @ $12.99 USD

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Paperback edition. 142 pages + 36 black & white photos

This is the first English language publication, dedicated to one of the most beloved and highly respected members of the Romanov dynasty: Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich (1858-1915).

The Introduction by independent researcher Paul Gilbert, explores Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich’s moral struggle with homosexuality, and the little-known attempt by the Bolsheviks in the 1920s, to plunder the grand duke’s tomb, located in the Grand Ducal Mausoleum of the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg.

Also featured are first English translations of biographical studies of Grand Duke Konstantin, by two prominent Russian Romanov historians: Chief Curator of Pavlovsk Palace Alexei Guzanov and author and lecturer Zoia Beliakova.

In addition, are the memories of Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich, written by two of his children: Prince Gabriel (1887–1955) and Princess Vera (1906-2001), both of whom died in exile.

© Paul Gilbert. 31 March 2022

Tsar’s Days: Journey to Ekaterinburg

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

*This title is available from AMAZON in the USA, UK, Canada,
Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and Japan

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ORDER FROM AMAZON

HARD COVER EDITION @ $40 USD

PAPERBACK EDITION @ $25 USD

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Hardcover and Paperback editions. 152 pages + Richly illustrated with nearly
200 COLOUR PHOTOS, 65 of which were taken by the author

***

On 17th July 1998, independent researcher and writer Paul Gilbert travelled to St. Petersburg, for the interment of Emperor Nicholas II and his family. Twenty years later to the day, he journeyed to Ekaterinburg, to take part in Tsar’s Days and the events marking the 100th anniversary of the Tsar’s death and martyrdom.

In his own words and photographs, he shares his own personal experiences and impressions of the places associated with the last days of Emperor Nicholas II and his family, including the Church on the Blood, Ganina Yama, and Porosenkov Log. In addition, he writes about his visits to no less than three museums dedicated to the Holy Royal Martyrs, exhibitions, and the Patriarchal Liturgy performed on the night of 16/17 July by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

This book is complemented with 24 illustrated news articles about events leading up to Tsar’s Days in the Urals, from 1st to 31st July 2018.

Gilbert’s solemn journey to the Urals allowed him to experience history in the making, and to honour the memory of the Holy Royal Martyrs, a century after their death and martyrdom.

It may be years before most of us can visit Russia again, in the meantime, you can visit Ekaterinburg through the pages of this book from the comfort of your favourite chair.

© Paul Gilbert. 26 February 2022

NEW 4-volume set of books celebrates Emperor Nicholas II’s motorcar collection

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: Царский выезд [Tsar’s Departure] will be published in 4-volumes

On 18th February, Russian writer and auto enthusiast Ivan Barantsev, published the first volume of Царский выезд [Tsar’s Departure] – a unique 4-volume set of books dedicated to Emperor Nicholas II’s motorcar collection and His Imperial Majesty’s Own Garage.

The release of the first volume, is timed to the opening of the Tsar’s Departure Exhibition, which opened in Moscow on 19th February 2022.

The albums offer many new photographs, most of which have never been published and only recently discovered by the author in various Russian archives. The author has also made corrections to errors found in previously published photographs. Some photos have been identified on the very day the photo was taken, and complemented with notes from Nicholas II’s diaries.

Barantsev claims: “there are so many photos, that they couldn’t fit under one cover, so the project will be published in four volumes”.

PHOTO: Volume 1 features 240 pages + more than 100 photos

Volume 1, is dedicated to the period 1895-1911. Large hard cover format 32 x 24 cm, with 240 pages, and more than 100 black and white photos with detailed descriptions.

*Volume 2, will be dedicated to the period 1911-1914; *Volume 3, to 1914-1915; and *Volume 4, to 1915-1917. *Not yet published!

The first volume is currently only available for purchase at the Tsar’s Departure Exhibition, which runs from 19th February to 17th April 2022, in the Special Purpose Garage [Pavilion No. 53] at the All-Russian Exhibition Center (VDNKh) in Moscow.

Please note that this set of books is ONLY available in Russian. No publication dates for the remaining three volumes have been announced. I have no doubt, that once all 4-volumes are published, that sets will be available to purchase from Russian booksellers online.

PHOTO © Ivan Barantsev

PHOTO © Ivan Barantsev

PHOTO © Ivan Barantsev

PHOTO © Ivan Barantsev

© Paul Gilbert. 22 February 2022

Nicholas II; Russia’s Last Orthodox Christian Monarch

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

*This title is available from AMAZON in the USA, UK,
Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Japan

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION @ $9.99 USD

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Paperback edition. 134 pages + 23 black & white photos

This book is not only for Orthodox and non-Orthodox persons, but for any one who shares an interest in the life, death, and martyrdom of the Holy Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II.

An illustrated Introduction by independent researcher Paul Gilbert explores the piety of Nicholas II, and his devotion to the Russian Orthodox Church, which reached its fullest development and power, during his 22-year reign.

This book further examines the trials and tribulations the Tsar endured, which later led to his canonization by the Russian Orthodox Church.

This unique collection of writings helps dispel many of the negative myths which persist to this very day, a must read for any one who seeks to learn the truth about Nicholas II.

Gilbert has compiled this collection of writings as part of his mission to clear the name of Russia’s much slandered Tsar, and my own personal journey to Orthodoxy.

Holy Tsar Martyr Nicholas II, Pray to God for Us! 🙏

Святой Царь Мученик Николай, Моли Бога о Нас! 🙏

© Paul Gilbert. 21 February 2022