The tumultuous story of the Romanovs and their enigmatic relationship with Britain is brought to life in Stephan Roman's Isle and Empires. This new book explores the misunderstandings, suspicions and alliances that created an uneasy partnership between two of the world's most powerful Empires. In this updated edition, the author asserts that 'It is important that we understand the history of the British relationship with Romanov Russia, if we are to make sense of what is happening today.' The Isle of Wight, unexpectedly at the heart of the relationship between Britain and Russia, intimately linked the British royal family and the Romanovs. The Island was also home to Russia's revolutionaries, spies, and terrorists, and the refugees fleeing Tsarist oppression. In August 1909, the Isle of Wight hosted the Russian Imperial family during their visit to Cowes Week, then the most glamorous yachting regatta in Europe's social calendar. A new era of Anglo-Russian collaboration emerged and seemed destined to become a dominant force in 20th-century global politics. However, less than ten years later, the Romanovs were overthrown by the Bolsheviks, and the British government and royal family stood accused of denying them a safe refuge in Britain. Now available in paperback, this 2022 edition of Isle and Empires includes a new and exclusive Preface by the author, 'Vladimir Putin and the return of Imperial Russia'. As the West tries to comprehend the true motives of the Kremlin in its invasion of Ukraine, Stephan Roman puts forward a strong argument for the war originating in the traditions founded by the Romanov dynasty. Namely, in Putin's admiration for the Romanov Tsars of the past, their orthodoxy, autocratic governance, and thirst for a strong national identity.

About the Author
Stephan Roman studied History at the University of Oxford and trained in library and information science at the University of Sheffield. He has held senior positions in the British Council working in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He became a Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in 2012 and was awarded the Romanian Order of Merit for Services to Culture in 2004. His grandfather was a senior official in the Tsarist administration and fled Russia after the Revolution inspiring the author's lifelong interest and fascination with Russian and British history.

Reviews
'The whole story of the connection between the Russian Imperial family and the Royal Yacht Squadron is fascinating. Roman managed to fill in many gaps in my own knowledge of the subject.' - HRH Prince Michael of Kent



Book Information
ISBN 9781911487661
Author Stephan Roman
Format Paperback
Page Count 464
Imprint Medina Publishing Ltd
Publisher Medina Publishing Ltd