The best, first-hand account of the life of the last Imperial family of Russia was written by Pierre Gilliard, French tutor to the Tsar's children. He wrote "Thirteen Years at the Russian Court"  to refute the the misleading and false books he discovered upon his return to Western Europe.  He criticized the "absurdities and falsehoods" he found that were accepted as truths and endeavored to put things right by publishing this book.   His goal  was to "to bring Nicholas II and his family back to life."  Since this book was written the opening of Soviet archives has expanded our understanding of the facts surrounding murder of the Romanovs in Ekaterinburg. For example, Pierre secret and heroic efforts in smuggling messages, money and jewels in and out on behalf of the family at great risk to his own safety has been revealed. Begin the book with Nick Nicholson's short bio on Gilliard by clicking here - this will lead you to the other chapters in this book.

Bob Atchison