Subject
Peter I, Emperor of Russia, 1672-1725 -- Fiction Books
Best books
Dmitry Sergeyevich Merezhkovsky
Peter and Alexis: The Romance of Peter the Great
"Peter and Alexis: The Romance of Peter the Great" by Dmitry Sergeyevich Merezhkovsky is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores the tumultuous relationship between Tsar Peter the Great and his son, Tsarevitch Alexis, against the backdrop of early 18th century Russia, examining themes of power, rebellion, and political intrigue. The book delves into the personal struggles and societal issues of the era, focusing on Alexis's conflict with his father's sweeping reforms and the turmoil within the Romanov family. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to a significant encounter between Tsarevitch Alexis and a troubled old clerk, Larion Dokoukin, who speaks of the approaching Antichrist and presents seditious writings reflective of the growing unrest among the people towards Peter's westernization efforts. This opening sets the tone for Alexis's internal conflict as he grapples with the expectations of duty to his father while feeling empathy for the old man's plight, capturing his existential and moral dilemmas. The scene unfolds within the setting of early Petersburg, where Alexis's disheveled existence reveals his detachment from both his royal responsibilities and personal relationships, particularly with his pregnant wife, highlighting a deep-rooted sense of melancholy and alienation.
Mary Imlay Taylor
An imperial lover
"An Imperial Lover" by Mary Imlay Taylor is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the character M. de Brousson, who is tasked with navigating a complex web of court intrigue in early 18th-century Russia, particularly surrounding the czar, Peter the Great. The plot unfolds against a backdrop of personal and political tensions as M. de Brousson attempts to fulfill a diplomatic mission while concurrently observing a budding romance between his secretary, M. de Lambert, and the beautiful Najine Zotof, who finds herself pursued by none other than the czar. At the start of the novel, M. de Brousson reflects on his past visit to Moscow, including his marriage to a Russian woman, Zénaïde Ramodanofsky. In 1703, he returns to Russia, now serving as a marshal and tasked with a delicate diplomatic mission, while also witnessing the social transformations instigated by Peter the Great. He quickly becomes embroiled in a romantic drama involving M. de Lambert, who is in love with Najine, a woman caught between her affections and the czar's intentions, further complicated by the jealous ambitions of the court's factions. M. de Brousson’s engagement in both political and personal realms sets the tone for the intricate conflicts and relationships that drive the narrative forward.
Mary Imlay Taylor
On the red staircase
"On the Red Staircase" by Mary Imlay Taylor is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set against the turbulent backdrop of early Russian history, the narrative unfolds around the politically charged climate following the death of Czar Feodor. The story introduces various central figures including the Patriarch Joachim, who is overseeing the election of a new czar, the ambitious Czarevna Sophia, and Zénaïde, the young daughter of a recently murdered boyar, caught in a web of court intrigue and familial conflict. At the start of the novel, the reader is thrust into the Grand Square of the Kremlin, where a crowd has gathered for the election of a new ruler amidst cries for justice and shifting loyalties. The protagonist, a Frenchman named Philippe de Brousson, becomes entwined in the unfolding drama, witnessing the manipulations and power plays of the nobility, particularly focusing on the rise of Peter Alexeivitch against the backdrop of the milieux of the Streltsi and the Miloslavsky faction. Philippe's interest piqued by the beautiful Zénaïde and her perilous situation leads him to navigate the dangerous political landscape of Russia in search of justice and love, while ominous foreshadowing hints at the darker forces at play within the Kremlin.
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