In March 1917, a few months before the October Revolution, Tsar Nicholas II of the Romanov dynasty was forced to abdicate the throne. From that moment until the execution of Nicholas and his family in July 1918, a dramatic story unfolded.

Robert Service gives us the chronicle of these eighteen months and describes everything that took place in the various "places of confinement," in an increasingly tighter grip day by day. The great British historian of Russia thoroughly studied archives, diaries, correspondence: the result is a chronicle of a downfall set against the major events of the early 20th century – World War I, the February Revolution, the October Revolution.

The Last Tsar is the portrait of a fatal ruler but also an introduction to the history of Russia and the Soviet Union. The story told by Robert Service is a multifaceted one: in addition to the main characters – members of the imperial family, politicians, and revolutionaries – ordinary Russian citizens appear, followers of the Romanovs, friends, and enemies; their fate, often tragic, complements this grand historical tapestry.

“Amidst the plethora of literature on the Romanovs, The Last Tsar stands out for its accuracy, insight, objectivity, and the way it places a story with all the elements of a great personal drama within the broader dimensions of the circumstances of revolutionary Russia.” Times Literary Supplement

“Wonderful... the most detailed, comprehensive, and well-written chronicle ever written to date.” Literary Review

“Outstanding, original, captivating.” Evening Standard

“Our leading historian of Russia... Magnificent!” Observer

“Excellent, a must-read.” Simon Sebag Montefiore