Subject
Russians -- England -- Fiction Books
Best books
William Le Queux
The Price of Power Being Chapters from the Secret History of the Imperial Court of Russia
"The Price of Power" by William Le Queux is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the Russian Empire during a time of political unrest and revolution, the story unfolds through the eyes of Colin Trewinnard, a British diplomat who becomes enmeshed in the secrets of the Imperial Court. The narrative delves into themes of conspiracy, loyalty, and the volatile nature of power, as Trewinnard navigates his complex relationships with influential figures, including Emperor Alexander and the spirited Grand Duchess Natalia. At the start of the book, Colin Trewinnard receives a summons for an audience with the Emperor, signaling a turning point in his diplomatic career. He encounters Captain Stoyanovitch, who informs him about the growing threats of anarchism that plague the Emperor's reign and reveals a series of plots against His Majesty. As political tensions heighten, rumors swirl around the Grand Duchess Natalia, who is both admired and scrutinized at court. The atmosphere shifts dramatically with the shocking assassination attempt on her father, which reveals the dangerous undercurrents of their world, placing Trewinnard at the center of a conspiracy that could change the fate of Russia forever.
E. (Edith) Nesbit
The Prophet's Mantle
"The Prophet's Mantle" by E. Nesbit and Hubert Bland is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Count Michael Litvinoff, a nobleman in Russia who grapples with the conflicts between his aristocratic background and his passion for social reform. Following his return to Russia, he befriends an English secretary, Armand Percival, and together they navigate a world rife with political struggle, personal dilemmas, and the pursuit of freedom. At the start of the narrative, we witness Count Litvinoff's complex character as he reflects on the oppressive political climate of Russia and his commitment to social justice. After a harrowing encounter where he saves another man from committing suicide, he forms a deep bond with Percival, who subsequently assists him in his literary and revolutionary pursuits. The urgency of their situation amplifies when they face the threat of arrest due to Litvinoff's controversial writings, leading them on a tense escape from the authorities. The opening sets the stage for a richly woven tale of friendship, politics, and the quest for identity amidst turmoil.
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