The Romanov sisters, circa 1914. Image courtesy of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, via Wikimedia Commons.
The problem with taking history courses is that you never quite learn enough.
You get to know essential historical events and why they’re important, but due to time constraints, there isn’t much about the people who lived through those events. Who were those children and adults? What made them smile? What did they do for fun? What did they deem important, and what did they ignore? What are their personal stories?
I’m presently reading Helen Rappaport’s book, The Romanov Sisters: The Lost Lives of The Daughters of Nicholas and Alexandra. I spotted it recently and decided to pick it up so I could find out more about Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia. To me, they and their brother Alexei have always been shadowy figures, pitiably caught up in historical…
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First Night History 
As you might guess, I don’t have much sympathy for the Romanovs. The ‘divine right to rule’ approach took them down the same path as Charles I. Shame about the children though, they didn’t have any say in their destinies, after all.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Being devil’s advocate, I would reserve some pity for the parents. They didn’t have a choice about their background or parentage and were brought up to believe in the ‘divine right of kings’. It’s not always easy to break away from the shackles of what is inculcated from birth.
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Fair enough Sarah. Given how long ago it all was, I have to go some of the way with you on that.
( Perhaps the Windsors should know better though? ) Best wishes, Pete.
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Lovely to meet halfway, Pete. If only everyone did that! Yes, the Windsors really should know better!
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