The Fate of the Romanovs

Abundant, newly discovered sources shatter long-held beliefs

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 revealed, among many other things, a hidden wealth of archival documents relating to the imprisonment and eventual murder of Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, and their children. Emanating from sources both within and close to the Imperial Family as well as from their captors and executioners, these often-controversial materials have enabled a new and comprehensive examination of one the pivotal events of the twentieth century and the many controversies that surround it.

Based on a careful analysis of more than 500 of these previously unpublished documents, along with numerous newly discovered photos, The Fate of the Romanovs makes compelling revisions to many long-held beliefs about the Romanovs' final months and moments. This powerful account includes:
* Surprising evidence that Anastasia may, indeed, have survived
* Diary entries made by Nicholas and Alexandra during their captivity
* Revelations of how the Romanovs were betrayed by trusted servants
* A reconstruction of daily life among the prisoners at Ipatiev House
* Strong evidence that the Romanovs were not brutalized by their captors
* Statements from admitted participants in the murders

Foreword.

Cast of Characters.

Introduction.

Authors' Note.

1. The Ruin of an Empire.

2. A Traitor to the Revolution.

3. The House of Special Purpose.

4. “It Was Dreadful, What They Did . . .”

5. The Seventy-eight Days.

6. Russia in Chaos.

7. The First to Die.

8. The June Conspiracies.

9. “A Happy Hour with the Grandest People in the World”.

10. The Coming Storm: Enter Yurovsky.

11. Murderous Intentions.

12. Götterdämmerung.

13. The Four Brothers.

14. Aftermath.

15. The Investigations.

16. “Holy Relics of Our Saints”.

17. Unearthing the Past.

18. “An Unknown Grave from the Soviet Period”.

19. Bones of Contention.

20. “It’s All Secret, All Political”.

21. The Secret of Koptyaki Forest.

22. “Drowned in This Mist of Holiness”.

Epilogue.

Appendix 1: Ekaterinburg Guards.

Appendix 2: Inventory of Romanov Possessions in Ekaterinburg.

Appendix 3: The Romanovs’ Jewels.

Acknowledgments.

Notes.

Bibliography.

Index.