Paul Gilbert | Nicholas II

Update on the next Nicholas II Conference

Posted on August 7, 2024 by Paul Gilbert

I continue to receive emails and messages from people enquiring about another Nicholas II Conference. First of all, I would like to say how grateful I am for the interest and support shown for this event. In answer to all these queries, I can say that YES!, I am intend planning on organizing and hosting a second conference. I can also confirm that several discussions on the proposed event have already taken place.

Once this dreadful war is over, I have every intention of hosting a 2nd International Nicholas II Conference, which will most likely be held in the UK.

As some of you may recall, my initial plan to host the conference in May 2021 at the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic.

My second attempt to host the conference in September 2023 at St. John’s Orthodox Church in Colchester, England was also cancelled, due to the outbreak of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.

So, will I have better luck the third time?

The number of people who have followed my work, since the 1st conference in October 2018, has grown substantially, especially in the UK, therefore, I am anticipating an even larger number of attendees at the next conference.

Stay tuned for further updates on dates, venue, speakers, topics, and much more.

PHOTO: this is the first of two 6-ft. banners, that I have
designed for the 2nd International Nicholas II Conference

***

1st International Nicholas II Conference
St. John’s Orthodox Church, Colchcester, England
27th October 2018

PHOTO: researcher and author Paul Gilbert presenting one of his two lectures on Nicholas II, at St. John’s Orthodox Church in Colchester, England. 27th October 2018

The 1st International Nicholas II Conference was timed to the 150th anniversary of the birth of Emperor Nicholas II in 1868, and the 100th anniversary of his death and martyrdom in 1918.

More than 100 people from nearly a dozen countries attended the event, which featured 5 speakers, who presented 7 lectures on the life and reign of Russia’s last Tsar, including Paul Gilbert, Archpriest Andrew Philips (ROCOR), Nikolai Krasnov, authors Frances Welch and Marilyn Swezey presented seven papers on Nicholas II.

In addition, the Grand Duchess Elizabeth Romanov Society UK provided a small exhibit, which generated much interest among those attending. Two stalls were set up during the conference, which offer an interesting selection of new book titles for sale. A light lunch was provided for those attending.

Click HERE to read more about the 1st International Nicholas II Conference in Colchester, England, which includes photos from the event.

Books on the life and reign of Emperor Nicholas II (1868-1918)

Posted on May 19, 2024 by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: Portrait of Emperor Nicholas II, by Russian artist Vladimir Nikolaev

On this day – *19th (O.S. 6th) May 1868 – Emperor Nicholas II was born in the Alexander Palace at Tsarskoye Selo. * the New Style Gregorian calendar is now 13 days ahead of the Old Style Julian calendar.

On Sunday 19th May 2024, the Russian Orthodox Church marks the 156th anniversary of the birth of Tsesarevich and Grand Duke Nicholas Alexandrovich, who was born on the day of Job the Long-suffering.

In honour of this historic date, I am pleased to offer 18 books about the life and reign of Nicholas II. Each of them reflect my personal mission to clear the name of Russia’s much slandered Tsar. * This page will be updated as new titles become available.

Please note, the entire proceeds from the sale of each book, help fund my research, including the costly expense of translating documents from Russian archival and media sources.

Thank you for your interest and support of my work.

PAUL GILBERT (Retired)

***

BOOKS BY PAUL GILBERT

NICHOLAS II. PORTRAITS
by Paul Gilbert

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ORDER FROM AMAZON

HARD COVER EDITION – PRICE $50.00

PAPERBACK EDITION – PRICE $40.00

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Nicholas II. Portraits explores a century of portraits of Russia’s last emperor and tsar, through the eyes of pre-revolutionary and contemporary Russian, and foreign artists.

Originally published in 2019, with 140 pages with 175 black and white photos, this new expanded edition features more pages and more photographs: 180 pages + more than 200 photos, including 185 FULL COLOUR and 30 black & white! The colour photographs really bring the many ceremonial portraits of Nicholas II to life.

In addition, are many portraits painted during his reign by both Russian and foreign artists, as well as those by contemporary Russian artists. My book also features a small section of portraits of the Tsar with his family.

Large format 8-1/2″ x 11″ hard cover and paperback editions, with 178 pages + richly illustrated with more than 200 Colour and black & white photographs.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RUSSIA’S LAST TSAR
by Paul Gilbert

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION @ $25.00 USD

English. 242 pages with 225 black & white photos

Aside from his many duties as God’s anointed Emperor and Tsar of All the Russia’s, Nicholas II took on many other roles from one day to the next: a dutiful husband and loving father, a devoted son and brother, a friend, a sportsman, a diplomat, an ambassador, a dedicated military leader, a devout Orthodox Christian, among others.

This richly illustrated pictorial explores the day-to-day duties of Russia’s last monarch. It is divided into six sections: the Tsar and His Family; Sports, Leisure and Holidays; the Tsar and the Church; the Tsar and Russia; the War Years; and the Tsar Under House Arrest. Each section features full-size historic images which reflect his day to day duties and activities. In total, this unique album includes more than 200 photographs from the author’s private collection.

*The publication of this album is timed to coincide with the 155th anniversary of the birth of Emperor Nicholas II on 19th May [O.S. 6th May] 1868 and the 105th anniversary of the death and martyrdom [17th July 1918].

THE CORONATION OF TSAR NICHOLAS II
Compiled and Edited by Paul Gilbert

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HARD COVER EDITION – PRICE $29.99

PAPERBACK EDITION – PRICE $18.99

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Six eyewitness accounts of the crowning of Russia’s last tsar with more than 200 rare vintage photographs & illustrations

The pomp and pageantry surrounding the Coronation of Nicholas II is told through the eye-witness accounts of six people who attended this historic event at Moscow, held over a three week period from 6th (O.S.) to 26th (O.S.) May 1896.

Hard cover and paperback editions, with 456 pages + more than 200 black & white photographs

NICHOLAS II: RUSSIA’S LAST ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN MONARCH
Edited by Paul Gilbert

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PAPERBACK EDITION – PRICE $9.99

E-BOOK EDITION – PRICE $9.99

BOOK DESCRIPTION

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.

Paperback edition, with 134 pages + 23 black & white photographs

MOST PIOUS TSAR
Icons, Frescoes and Holy Images of Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II
by Paul Gilbert

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE HARD COVER @ $50.00 USD

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION @ $40.00 USD

English. Large 7″ x 10″ format. 162 pages with 132 photos in FULL COLOUR

In 1938, Russia’s last tsar Nicholas II was canonized by the Serbian Orthodox Church. On 1st November 1981, he was canonized as a new martyr by the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). On 20th August 2000, after 8 years of study, he was canonized as a passion bearer by the Moscow Patriarchate, although the people had already been venerating him as a saint for a long time, and this canonization was simply a confirmation of a fact that already existed by itself.

Since these historic dates, icons of Russia’s last Tsar have been installed in Orthodox churches across Russia and around the world. In addition home icons have been mass produced and sold for veneration by Orthodox Christians.

This book will not only appeal to Orthodox and non-Orthodox persons, but for any one who shares an interest in icons and iconography. This book also includes a Prayer and Akathist to the Holy Martyred Tsar. The highlight of this book, however, are the 130+ colour photographs of icons, frescoes and holy images depicting the Holy Royal Martyr Nicholas

NICHOLAS II
News from Russian Media & Archival Sources
by Paul Gilbert

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION @ $20.00 USD

English. Large 8-1/2″ x 11″ format, 256 pages, 300+ black & white photos

In this book, you will find more than 130 articles and news stories about exhibitions, new monuments, portraits, polls on Nicholas II’s popularity in post-Soviet Russia, updates on the restoration of the Alexander Palace, events marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of Nicholas II and the 100th anniversary of his death and martyrdom, the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ekaterinburg remains and much more.

These articles and news stories were originally published in Sovereign (2015-2020) and Royal Russia (2011-2020). Both of these periodicals are no longer published, the back issues out of print, therefore, I am pleased to offer these important materials in one concise volume. They are complemented with more than 300 black and white photographs, many of which have never been published in any Western newspaper, magazine or book. Each article has been sourced from Russian media and archival sources, and translated into English.

While this collection of articles and news stories, may not appeal to every one, it will prove a valuable research tool for those studying the life and reign of Nicholas II, particularly as he is perceived in modern-day Russia.

Proceedings of the 1st International Nicholas II Conference
by Paul Gilbert

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION @ $30.00 USD

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

BOOK DESCRIPTION

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 Nicholas II.

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

Topics 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,” and several more.

The original edition of these proceedings published in 2018 is now out of print. This new revised and updated edition of include 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.

Large format 8-1/2″ x 11″ hard cover and paperback editions, 136 pages +50 COLOUR and black & white photos

TSAR’S DAYS: JOURNEY TO EKATERINBURG
by Paul Gilbert

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HARD COVER EDITION – PRICE $40.00

PAPERBACK EDITION – PRICE $25.00

BOOK DESCRIPTION

On 17th July 2018, independent researcher and writer Paul Gilbert travelled to Ekaterinburg, to take part in the events marking the 100th anniversary of the Tsar’s death and martyrdom.

In his own words and photographs, the author shares his experiences and impressions of this historic event, which include visits to the Church on the Blood, Ganina Yama, Porosenkov Log, the Patriarchal Liturgy, exhibitions, and much more.

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.

Large format 8-1/2″ x 11″ hard cover and paperback editions, 152 pages + 200 COLOUR PHOTOS, 65 of which were taken by the author.

SOVEREIGN No. 12 WINTER 2024
by Paul Gilbert

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION @ $20.00 USD

English. Large format 8-1/2″ x 11-1/2″. 130 pages. 114 Black & White photos

I am pleased to offer the first issue of my popular magazine Sovereign: The Life and Reign of Emperor Nicholas II, to be published in 5 years! Sovereign No. 12 – the Winter 2024 issue is now available through AMAZON outlets around the world.

The No. 12 issue, features 17 articles, and richly illustrated with more than 100 photographs, English text. The following articles have been reproduced from my blog, and presented in a printed format for the very first time:

[1] How Boris Yeltsin justified the demolition of the Ipatiev House

[2] Doomed to Resurrection: Is it Possible to Resurrect the Ipatiev House?

[3] The Fate of Nikolai Nikolaevich Ipatiev (1869-1938)

[4] Then they repented of slandering the Tsar . . .

[5] The myth of Nicholas II’s indifference to the Khodynka tragedy

[6] Nicholas II’s Private Apartments In the Winter Palace

[7] Nicholas II, the Union of the Russian People and the Black Hundreds

[8] Imperial Railway Pavilion at Tsarskoye Selo is being restored

[9] The ghost of Anna Anderson continues to haunt us

[10] Nicholas’s national education Project for Russia

[11] The Russian Imperial Award System 1894-1917

[12] How the Orthodox Church supported The overthrow of the monarchy

[13] “There are still many conjectures surrounding the death of Grand Duchess R+Elizabeth”

[14] Lost and found: Romanov family photo album found in Siberia

[15] The Charity of the Holy Tsar Nicholas II

[16] Russia’s last Tsar through Serbian eye

[17] Russia after Putin: Would he restore the monarchy?

NOTE: The No. 13 ussye of Sovereign is schdeduled for publication in July 2024

BOOKS BY OTHER AUTHORS

TSAR NICHOLAS II
by Andrei G. Elchaninov

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION @ $14.99 USD

English. 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ format. 194 pages with 25 photos

This authorized account of Emperor Nicholas II by Major-General Andrei Georgievich Elchaninov (1868-1918), is an unprecedented biography of a living tsar. It was originally published in 1913, to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty. The author served as a professor of military art in the General Staff Academy in St. Petersburg, he later served in the suite of Tsar Nicholas II.

Nicholas II reviewed and corrected the proofs himself in January 1913. He made changes to the text, and requested the removal of sentences describing the Tsesarevich Alexei’s illness.

Elchaninov gathered considerable material for the twelve chapters about Nicholas II’s personal life based on observations and impressions. The first chapters describe Russia’s last Tsar as a caring, devoted and loving husband and father. The remaining chapters focus on his relationship with his government, the church, the army, the Russian people, and the policies which he pursued during the first 18 years of his reign.

Written before the First World War and the 1917 Revolution. Elchaninov writes in glowing patriotic language portraying Nicholas II as an indefatigable “Imperial worker” in the service of Russia’s best interests and the “Sovereign father” of the Russian people.

In addition to Elchaninov’s biography on the Tsar, this new edition features an expanded introduction by independent researcher Paul Gilbert, 25 black and white photographs, and three comprehensive appendices: a chronology of events during the reign of Nicholas II (1894-1917); 100 facts about Nicholas II and the many reforms he made during his reign, and a bibliography of more than 100 English language books written over the past century on Russia’s last Tsar.

This book is an excellent resource tool for any one interested in Russia’s last Tsar!

DEAREST MAMA . . . DARLING NICKY:
Letters Between Emperor Nicholas II and His Mother
Empress Maria Feodorovna 1879-1917

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ORDER FROM AMAZON

PAPERBACK EDITION – PRICE $13.99

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Written between the years 1879, when Nicky was a little boy, and 1917, after his abdication, this collection of more than 200 letters are a revelation of the personalities of the Emperor and his Empress mother. They were never part of the imperial archives but the cherished possession of both correspondents, carried with them wherever they went. At the outbreak of the revolution, the letters were confiscated by the Soviets.

Paperback edition. 246 pages.

OF BYGONE DAYS
Letters Between Emperor Nicholas II and His Mother
The Memoirs of an Aide-de-Camp to
the Emperor Nichoas II
by Sergei S. Fabritsky

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION @ $20.00 USD

English. 214 pages, 10 black & white photos

First English translation with introduction and notes by William Lee

NOTE: The first Russian-lanaguage edition of Fabritsky’s memories was published in Berlin in 1926. The first English-language edition of Fabritsky’s memoirs was published in Canada in 2016. This title has been out of print for many years, so I am delighted to offer this new edition.

“The time I spent with Their Majesties – over the course of many years and under varied circumstances – will always be the source of my most precious memories, and I am very happy to be able to share those memories now with a wide public. I hope at least to give an absolutely truthful account of what I saw and heard” – Semyon S. Fabritsky. 1926

Semyon Semyonovich Fabritsky (1874-1941) had a fascinating career during the twilight years of Imperial Russia. He began his naval career in the very first days of the reign of Emperor Nicholas II.

In 1909, Fabritsky was personally appointed Aide-de-Camp by the Emperor himself, a position he served with immense pride and devotion.

During his service to Nicholas II, Fabritsky earned both the trust and friendship of the Emperor. Through his often uninterrupted contact with Russia’s last sovereign and observing him at all hours and under a variety of conditions, Fabritsky was able to form a clear picture of Nicholas II and his family, through his own personal eye-witness observations.

He also served aboard the Imperial yachts, partaking in holidays with the Emperor and his family to the Crimea and the Finnish skerries. He shares interesting details and anecdotes about the Alexandria, Polar Star, and Standart.

This book will also be of great interest to any one with an interest to the Russian Imperial Yachts and the Russian Imperial Navy.

Fabritsky provides great insight to the treachery, cowardice, and deceit which prevailed every where. He acknowledges ministers and generals who were either unworthy of their posts or unfit for them. Sadly, it was these men who surrounded Nicholas II during his 22+ year reign, who contributed to the downfall of monarchy and the destruction of the Russian Empire in 1917.

LAST YEARS OF THE COURT AT TSARSKOE SELO – 2 Volumes
by Alexander Spiridovitch

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VOLUME I – 1906-1910. PAPERBACK EDITION – PRICE $18.99

VOLUME II – 1910-1914. PAPERBACK EDITION – PRICE $18.99

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Originally published in French in 1928, this is the FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDITION of both volumes – a MUST read for any one interested in the life and reign of Emperor Nicholas II.

Alexander Ivanovich Spiridovitch (1873-1952) was handpicked by Emperor Nicholas II to serve as his personal security chief from 1906-1916. He was also responsible for the security of the tsar’s residences.

Volume I – 1906-1910, with 458 pages + 59 black & white photographs

Volume II – 1910-1914, with 480 pages + 65 black & white photographs

NICHOLAS II and the BRITISH MONARCHS
by Coryne Hall

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION @ $20.00 USD

English. 164 pages, 36 black & white photos

Romanov historian and royal expert Coryne Hall writes about the relationships between Emperor Nicholas II with the three British monarchs who ruled during his 22-year reign.

The author has researched the relationships between Russia’s last Tsar with those of Queen Victoria – from 1894 to 1901; King Edward VII – from 1901 to 1910; and King George V – from 1910 to 1917. Her research is complemented with letters, diary entries and photographs.

The four essays presented in this volume were originally published in four successive issues of Sovereign, the semi-annual publication dedicated to the study of the life and reign of Emperor Nicholas II. They are presented here for the first time in one volume.

EMPEROR NICHOLAS II AS I KNEW HIM
by Sir John Hanbury Williams

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PAPERBACK EDITION – PRICE $12.99

BOOK DESCRIPTION

In this compelling and intimate series of diary entries, originally published in 1922, Major-General Sir John Hanbury-Williams (1859-1946) depicts Nicholas II “not as history knows him, but as he knew him.”

Paperback edition. 196 pages.

MEMOIRS OF THE PAGES TO TSAR NICHOLAS II
by Dr. Thomas E. Berry

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HARDCOVER EDITION – PRICE $22.99

PAPERBACK EDITION – PRICE $14.99

BOOK DESCRIPTION

The young men of the Corps des Pages, served Nicholas II and his family. This collection of 18 memoirs give eyewitness accounts of weddings, baptisms, Court functions and other events at the Imperial Court between 1894-1917. The last part of the book is devoted to the sad events of the Revolution and the end of the Corps des Pages.

Hardcover and Paperback editions. 258 pages

LAST DAYS AT TSARSKOE SELO
by Count Paul Benckendorff

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E-BOOK EDITION – PRICE $9.99

PAPERBACK EDITION – PRICE $12.99

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Count Paul Benckendorff (1853-1921), belonged to the closest circle of Emperor Nicholas II. Following the collapse of the monarchy in 1917, Benkendorff and his wife shared the captivity of the Imperial Family at Tsarskoye Selo.

Benkendorff’s narrative provides a detailed eye-witness account of the Tsar’s abdication, his transfer to Tsarskoe Selo and his daily life in the Alexander Palace, where he was held under house arrest from February to August 1917.

Throughout his memoirs, Benckendorff characterizes Nicholas II and his wife Alexandra Feodorovna as courageous, gracious, and poised despite their obvious concern for their family.

Due to his age and poor health, Benckendorff was unable to follow the Emperor and his Imperial Family’s into exile to Tobolsk. One of the very few who were faithful, he parted with his Sovereign for the last time on 14th (O.S. 1st) August 1917.

Paperback and eBook editions. 168 pages + 40 black & white photographs

My efforts to clear the name of Russia’s much slandered Tsar – Paul Gilbert

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Paul Gilbert

During the month of May, we celebrate the anniversaries of the birth of Emperor Nicholas II in the Alexander Palace on 19th May (O.S. 6th May) 1868, and the Holy Coronation of Nicholas II in Moscow on 27 May (O.S. 14 May) 1896.

In recognition of these historic events, I am reaching out to friends and followers for donations to help support me with my research on the life and reign of Nicholas II, and my personal mission to clear the name of Russia’s much slandered Tsar.

There are many web sites, blogs and social media pages dedicated to the Romanovs. However, Despite the fact that I am now retired, I continue to work very hard searching Russian archival and media sources to bring something new to the table every day. This includes First English translations of articles researched by a new generation of Russian historians; news on the Romanovs, their palaces, exhibitions, etc; + photos, videos and more.

Your donation helps support my research, the cost of translations, maintenance of my news blog Nicholas II. Emperor. Tsar. Saint, and the organization and promotion of Romanov themed events, such as the 1st International Nicholas II Conference.

If you enjoy all the articles, news, photos, and videos which I personally research, write and share, please help support my work in the coming year ahead by making a donation.

Click HERE to make a donation in US Dollars by CREDIT CARD or PAYPAL

Donations as little as $5 are much appreciated, and there is NO obligation!

Thank you for your consideration.

Another way that you can support my work, is by purchasing my semi-annual periodical SOVEREIGN, which features articles on the life and reign of Nicholas II, his family and the history of Imperial Russia. The articles featured in each issue are based on new research from Russian media and archival sources. The No. 12 Winter 2024 issue includes 17 articles, 130 pages. 114 Black & White photos. Price: $20 USD.

Click on the link below to review a list of the 17 articles featured in this issue, and to order your copy from AMAZON:

CLICK HERE for more details and to order SOVEREIGN No. 12 Winter 2024 issue

*Please note that the No. 13 Summer 2024 issue will be available in July 2024

My Nicholas II blog marks 5th anniversary and 1 million hits

Posted on January 22, 2024 by Paul Gilbert

Today – 22nd January – marks the 5th anniversary of the launch of my blog NICHOLAS II. EMPEROR. TSAR. SAINT, dedicated to clearing the name of Russia’s much slandered monarch.

Over this past weekend, my blog marked a major milestone, as the numbeer of hits it has received over the last 5 years sur[assed the 1 MILLION mark!

To date, I have researched, written and published more than 700 articles on my blog, making it the largest English-language site dedicated to the study of the life and reign of Russia’s last Tsar. My articles are based primarily on new research from Russian archival and media sources.

My Nicholas II blog also features more than 2,000 photographs, including historic black and white photos of Nicholas II, his family and Imperial Russia. These are complemented with contemporary colour photos of palace restorations, exhibitions, and much more. My blog also features more than 100 videos, ranging from vintage newsreels, documentaries and full length films,

In addition, I announce and promote new books on Nicholas II and the Romanov dynasty by other authros, as well as books which I have researched and written, as well as the recent relaunch of my popular semi-annual magazine SOVEREIGN.

Please note, that proceeds from the sale of books from my ROMANOV BOOKSHOP on AMAZON help support my research, including the cost of translating documents from Russian archival and media sources.

Take advantage of the search engine on my blog. Please refer to the ‘SEARCH‘ option located at the ottom of the page, which will allow you to explore nearly 200 categories. Or you can scroll down further to review the list of categories found on this blog.

In closting, I would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have followed and supported my work over the past 5 years. I look forward to bringing you many more full-length articles, news stories, photos and videos, on Nicholas II and his family, the Romanov dynasty, and the history of Imperial Russia for many more years to come,

Merry Christmas to my Orthodox readers

Posted on January 7, 2024 by Paul Gilbert

January 7

Today – 7th January – Orthodox Christians around the world
celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

Merry Christmas to my Orthodox friends!

Счастливого Рождества моим православным друзьям!

Срећан Божић мојим православним пријатељима!

Καλά Χριστούγεννα στους Ορθόδοξους φίλους μου!

PAUL GILBERT
7 January 2020

AUCTION SALE: 300+ photos of Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: a collection of 332 black and white photographs from one of the private photo albums belonging to Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna are for sale from my collection. CLICK on the image to enlarge – PG

As many of you know, I will be moving back to England in the summer of 2025. As a result, I am forced to sell not only my furniture and other possessions, I have also made the very difficult decision to part with some of my Romanov treasures.

Back in 1998-99 I went to visit a man living in Rosedale, an historic and very affluent residential area in Toronto, Ontario. I had been invited by historian and author Patricia Phenix, who was researching for her book Olga Romanov: Russia’s Last Grand Duchess [Published in 1999 by Viking-Penguin]. The gentleman had a collection of photographs copied from one of the personal photograph albums belonging to Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna [1882-1960]. He was kind enough to show us the photographs, and even agreed to allow us to make copies.

Aside from the original album, ONLY three sets of these photographs exist. We had two sets made – a great expense at time – one for Pat, the other for myself. We returned the original set to the gentleman in Rosedale, who several years later “loaned” them to Olga Kulikovsky-Romanov, who used them for the exhibitions of Grand Duchess Olga’s paintings, which she was organizing in Russia. She never returned the photographs to the gentleman in Rosedale.

The photos depict Grand Duchess Olga and her family in Russia, Denmark and Canada, where she died on 24th November 1960. The photos from her Russian years include her mother Empress Maria Feodorovna, her brothers Tsar Nicholas II and Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich, as well as her sister Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna.

This lot consists of a total of 332 black and white photographs. The quality and clarity of each photo varies from one image to the next. The photographs are copies of those from Olga’s photo album. The fate of the photo album is unknown, but is believed to have been sold at auction.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS AN AUCTION SALE: I am offering this collection of 332 photos to the highest bidder. I have set the bidding price at $150 USD. I invite those of you who are interested to send me a private e-mail [royalrussia@yahoo.com], stating your highest bid. The winner will be notified by e-mail on Tuesday, 5th September 2023. Payment can be made by credit card or PayPal. All sales are final.

On this day – 17th July 1998 – Nicholas II was buried in St Petersburg

Posted on July 17, 2023 by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: Paul Gilbert (far right) joins 50 Romanov descendants, at the funeral of Nicholas II, in St. Petersburg on 17th July 1998. Photo by D. Koscheev, from the book The Last Bow (1999)

It was 25 years ago today – 17th July 1998 – that the earthly remains of Emperor Nicholas II, his wife, three of their five children and their four faithful retainers were buried in St. Catherine’s Chapel – a side chapel of the SS Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

I was honoured to attend this historic event, thanks to the kindness of a descendant of Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich, who was living in New York at the time. It was through her efforts that she arranged for me to attend the funeral in St. Petersburg, through the Director of the Romanov Family Association in Russia Ivan Artsishevsky (1950-2021), who served as head of the working group on the reburial of Emperor Nicholas II, his family and servants.

It is interesting to note that the only Romanov descendants who did not attend the burial were Princess Maria Vladimirovna, her son Prince George Mikhailovich-Hohenzollern, and her mother Princess Leonida Georgievna (1914-2010). To this day, Maria and her son do not recognize the Ekaterinburg Remains as those of Emperor Nicholas II and members of his family.

Just prior to the funeral on the 17th, I was invited to join more than 50 Romanov descendants in the lobby of the Astoria Hotel. It was here that I met Princes Nicholas (1922-2014) and Dimitri (1926-2016) Romanovich Romanov. From here, I travelled on a special coach with the Romanov’s to the Peter and Paul Fortress. I recall the coach driving along the Embankment which was lined on both sides by thousands of people who had gathered to watch the drive past. Many of them held icons of the Holy Royal Martyrs, others kneeled on the street, making the sign of the cross as the coach passed.

By the time the coach arrived at the Fortress, hundreds of people had assembled on the square in front of SS Peter and Paul Cathedral. The Romanov family descendants walked in silence along the path into the Cathedral. Bells tolled from the SS Peter and Paul Cathedral and soldiers gave a 19-gun salute.

Yeltsin attends, calls for repentance

PHOTO: Russian president Boris Yeltsin (1931-2007) and his wife Anastasia Iosifovna Yeltsina bow their heads at the crypt of the last Russian Emperor and his family

The Romanov family members were joined by Russian president Boris Yeltsin, Prince Michael of Kent of Great Britain, family members of the Oldenburg dynasty from Germany and diplomats from more than 50 countries.

Addressing the funeral ceremony, Yeltsin described the murder of the Russian Imperial family as one of the most shameful pages in Russian history, and urged Russians to close a “bloody century” with repentance. “Today is a historic day for Russia. For many years, we kept quiet about this monstrous crime, but the truth has to be spoken,” he added.

Yeltsin said he had no choice but to attend this funeral in consideration of the fact that the funeral presented a historical chance for the Russian people to exculpate themselves from the sins of their fathers, and the sins of the murder of their Romanov family

St. Catherine’s Chapel

PHOTO: view of St. Catherine’s Chapel, the current resting place for Emperor Nicholas II and his family

In the weeks leading up to the burial, a complete reconstruction of St. Catherine’s Chapel was carried out. In 1997, specialists from the Restorer and Olko firms carried out the work, which included painting the walls and plafond of the chapel. A two-tiered crypt (depth 1 m 66 cm, length 2 m 70 cm, width 1 m 70 cm) was built near the only window in the southern part of the chapel. The seal-tight crypt was waterproofed, thus providing ideal conditions for the preservation of the remains.

On the lower tier are the coffins of the family’s four faithful retainers, and on the upper tier are the coffins of the Emperor, Empress and their three daughters Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana and Anastasia. An openwork lattice divides the crypt into two parts. The coffins were made of Caucasian oak, their surface is covered with a wax-turpentine mixture. Inside, the coffins are upholstered with copper sheet, and on top – a cover of white velour on silk white cords. On the lid of the coffin of Emperor Nicholas II there is a cypress cross (grown in the garden of the Livadia Palace in Crimea) and a model of a sword based on a 1909 model. The rest of the coffins of members of the Imperial Family have lids decorated with bronze, gilded, crosses. The coffins of the servants are decorated with silver-plated eight-point Orthodox crosses. As the valet Aloysius Trupp was a Catholic, a four-point cross decorates his coffin. The side decoration of the coffins consisted of: a brass board engraved (on which the names, title, place of birth and place of death (according to the Julian calendar) and the date of burial are embossed), as well as double-headed eagles for the seven coffins of members of the Imperial Family. Each coffin was secured with brass (non-oxidizing) screws. Lead plates were laid in the lid and in the coffin itself along the perimeter at the place of their connection, making them airtight after closing the coffin.

The coffins were made in strict accordance with the historical traditions of the burial rites of Russian monarchs. After the burial, the crypt was covered with reinforced concrete slabs, through the rings of which a steel chain closed on the lock was threaded. A temporary wooden tombstone was erected over the grave, and later replaced by a marble one. Memorial plaques with epitaphs were placed on the walls of the chapel. Later, the historical coating of the aisle, Mettlach tiles – was also restored.

PHOTO: the Head of the Russian Imperial House Prince Nicholas Romanovich (1922-2014) throws a handful of earth into the grave

At the present time, the crypt in the Catherine Chapel holds a total of 9 coffins:

Emperor Nicholas II Alexandrovich (burial of remains on 17th July 1998)
Empress Alexandra Feodorovna (burial of the remains on 17th July 1998)
Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna (burial of the remains on 17th July 1998)
Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna (burial of the remains on 17th July 1998)
Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna (burial of the remains on 17th July 1998)
family-physician Dr. Eugene Botkin (burial of remains on 17th July 1998)
maid Anna Demidova (burial of remains on 17th July 1998)
valet Aloysius Trupp (burial of remains on 17th July 1998)
cook Ivan Kharitonov (burial of remains on 17th July 1998)

It was not until 2007, that the remains of Tsesarevich Alexei Nikolaevich and Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna, which consisted of 44 bone fragments, were discovered in a second grave at Porosenkov Log, near Ekaterinburg. In December 2015, their remains were transferred from the State Archives of the Russian Federation to the Lower Church of the Transfiguration Cathedral of the Novospassky Monastery in Moscow, where they remain to this day.

The fate of the Ekaterinburg Remains currently rests with the Bishops’ Council of the Russian Orthodox Church. Once the members of the Council have confirmed the authenticity of the Ekaterinburg Remains as those of the Imperial Family, it is then that the entire family’s remains will be buried together.

The question of whether or not the Imperial Family’s remains are buried together in St. Catherine’s Chapel remain a mystery. The chapel is part of SS Peter and Paul Cathedral, which is a museum, whereby an admission must be paid to enter. No person should ever have to buy a ticket to enter a House of God! So, will the Imperial Family be reburied with great pomp and ceremony in another location? There has been numerous suggestions of reburying their remains in a newly built cathedral in Ekaterinburg or the Feodorovsky Sovereign Cathedral – Nicholas II’s favourite church at Tsarskoye Selo. Please click HERE to read my article The Fate of the Ekaterinburg Remains, in which I discuss this further.

The Burial of the Romanovs | 17 July 1998 VIDEO – duration: 26 minutes

NEW BOOK: A Day in the Life of Russia’s Last Tsar

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Paul Gilbert

*This title is available from AMAZON in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia,
France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Japan
*Note: prices are quoted in local currencies

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION @ $25.00 USD

English. 242 pages with 225 black & white photos

The publication of this album is timed to coincide with the 155th anniversary of the birth of Emperor Nicholas II on 19th May [O.S. 6th May] 1868 and the 105th anniversary of the death and martyrdom [17th July 1918].

About the author

Paul Gilbert is a British born researcher and writer, specializing in the study of the life and reign of Emperor Nicholas II.

He has travelled extensively in Russia since 1986, visiting archives and historic sites associated with Russia’s last Tsar.

In 1998, he attended the Tsar’s funeral in St. Petersburg, and in 2018, he took part in the events marking the 100th anniversary of his death and martyrdom in Ekaterinburg.

‘The Empress’s Balcony’ and ‘The Empress’s Chair’ become bestsellers on AMAZON

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Paul Gilbert

On 16th June 2023, ‘The Empress’s Balcony in the Alexander Palace‘ and ‘The Empress’s Chair in the Alexander Palace‘ claimed the No. 1 and No. 2 positions on Amazon’s ‘New Releases in Historical Russia Biographies’ Bestseller list. My two latest books held these spots for 10 consecutive days in a row – setting a new record for any of my previously published books.

Based on the number of posts on my Facebook page, both titles have been well received and enjoyed by readers from all over the world. One Australian reader wrote: “Who would have thought a chair and balcony could be the subject of a book, but you did it!”

Each richly illustrated pictorial features a new 8-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ paperback format with glossy cover. The price is $12.99 USD, both titles are available from AMAZON in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Poland and Japan.

The Empress’s Balcony – 110 pages – is a unique pictorial dedicated to the famous balcony where the Imperial Family spent so much time together and a favourite spot for family photographs.

The text on pages 3 to 14 explores the history and restoration of the Maple Drawing Room, which led out onto the balcony. It explains the construction of the iron grille balcony in 1896, and why it was dismantled between 1947-49 by the Alexander Palace’s new Soviet caretakers. The selection of nearly 100 vintage photographs presented in this album, are all we have left of this once happy and peaceful sanctuary for the Imperial Family while they were in residence at Tsarskoye Selo. Click HERE to order.

The Empress’s Chair – 120 pages – explores yet another iconic spot found in Empress Alexandra Feodorovna’s favourite room: the Mauve Boudoir.

The text on pages 3 to 14 explores the history and restoration of the Mauve Boudoir. More than 100 black and white photographs record nearly 30 members of the Imperial Family, their relatives and guests, all posing in the iconic corner chair. Neither the Mauve Boudoir of the Empress’s chair survived, however, both have recently been recreated. Click HERE to order.

New books on the Romanovs scheduled for 2023

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Paul Gilbert

In response to the numerous queries I have been receiving over the past few months with regards to the new book projects which I have been working on over the past year, I decided to provide the following update . . .

Many of you may recall that 2022 was not a good year for me due to health reasons. In April, I was diagnosed with Stage-2 cancer; in May, I had surgery to remove the tumour; in June, I was at home recovering; followed by six months of chemotherapy, which left me both weak and tired. Never, in my life have I ever felt so sick. As a result, my research and writing suffered, delaying publication of the titles pictured above by months.

My chemo ended on 11th January, however, I continue to endure side effects. According to my oncologist, it could take up to two months for my body to flush all the toxins, and any where from six to twelves months before I start to feel my old self again.

Despite that, I am now looking forward to returning to my two favourite passions in life: researching and writing about the life, reign and era of Russia’s much slandered tsar Nicholas II.

Below, is a short summary of each of the titles scheduled for publication this year:

Nicholas II. Photographs – will be my most ambitious publishing project to date, with 200+ pages and richly illustrated with more than 200 high-quality black and white photos of Nicholas II – most of them full-page!

My book will be divided into 12 parts + an interesting foreword on the many albums and individual photos held in archives and private collections; Nicholas’s own interest in photography; efforts to preserve and restore images currently held in Russian archives; and much more.

This beautiful album is a labour of love, and my personal tribute to the memory of Russia’s last emperor and tsar. I am so proud of this book, and trust that this book will one day become a much coveted and sought after collectors title.

The Lost World of Imperial Russia. Volume II – the second volume of my recently published book, which will feature MORE photographs of the the Russian Empire during the reign of Emperor Nicholas II, from 1894 to 1917.

The cover will feature a photo of Andrei Alexeevich Kudinov (1852–1915), who served as bodyguard to Grand Duke Alexander Alexandrovich (later Alexander III). In December 1878, he was assigned to Grand Duchess Maria Feodorovna; he stayed at this post when she became Empress in 1881 and continued until his death.

Volume II will be issued in hard cover and paperback editions, 240 pages, richly illustrated with more than 400 vintage black and white photos!

Sovereign No. 12 – After an absence of nearly four years, I am pleased to announce that my semi-annual periodical ‘Sovereign: The Life and Reign of Emperor Nicholas II’ will resume publication next year. The next issue – the No. 12 issue – will be published in January 2023.

This new issue will feature the following full-length articles – among others, that have yet to be announced:

[1] Mikhail Rodzianko: Gravedigger of the Russian Empire by Andrei Ivanov

[2] Nikolai Sokolov’s Report to Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna on the Investigation into the Deaths of Emperor Nicholas II and his Family

[3] Memorial Museums to Nicholas II in Post-Soviet Russia by Paul Gilbert

[4] They Were the Last to Help the Tsar’s Family in Ekaterinburg by Abbess Dominica (Korobeinikova)

[5] Loyal to Their Sovereign: Generals Who Did Not Betray Nicholas II in 1917 by Paul Gilbert

[6] Family Disloyalty: Nicholas II and the Vladimirovichi by Paul Gilbert

Olga: Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna – 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 – 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.

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

The Imperial Train of Emperor Nicholas II – the first English language book about the Imperial Train will explore the Tsar’s luxurious mode of transport on rails. It will feature detailed descriptions – including vintage photos and floorplans – of the train’s interiors. It also tells about the fate of the Imperial Train, the Imperial Railway Pavilions constructed solely for the use of the Imperial Train, and much more.

Traitor to the Tsar! Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich and Nicholas II – is the first comprehensive study to thoroughly examine the relationship between Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich and his first cousin Tsar Nicholas II. It is based primarily on documents and letters retrieved from Russian archival and media sources, many of which will be new to the English reader.

Grand Duke Kirill, was clearly a man who lacked a moral compass. In this book I discuss his entering into an incestuous marriage with his paternal first cousin and a divorcee, Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1905, defying both Nicholas II by not obtaining his consent prior, and the Russian Orthodox Church.

Kirill’s act of treason during the February Revolution of 1917, is well known and for which he is most vilified. It was in Petrograd, that Kirill marched to the Tauride Palace at the head of the Garde Equipage (Marine Guard) to swear allegiance to the Russian Provisional Government, wearing a red band on his uniform. He then authorized the flying of a red flag over his palace on Glinka Street in Petrograd.

In June 1917, Grand Duke Kirill was the first Romanov to flee Russia. His departure was “illegal”, as Kirill was still in active duty as a rear admiral in active military service in a country at war, he had abandoned his honour and dignity in the process.

In 1922, Kirill declared himself “the guardian of the throne”, and in 1924, pompously proclaimed himself “Emperor-in-Exile”, creating a schism in monarchist circles of the Russian emigration.

I further explore Kirill and Victoria’s alleged Nazi affiliations during their years in exile, as well as Kirill’s shameful infidelity, of which his wife would never forgive him.

* * *

Please NOTE that I do not have publication dates, bindings (on some titles), page counts, and prices at this time. In addition, the book covers and titles shown are subject to change without notice. ALL of these titles will be made available on AMAZON. Each new publication will be announced here on my blog, my Facebook page and also via my bi-weekly news updates.