Greg King and Janet Ashton have given us the definitive account of Nicholas II's coronation and the events that surrounded it. Shy and retiring, Nicholas II would prove to be utterly unsuited for the role which he came to play. His wife was even more unsuited for her exalted position. Together they oversaw the last days of the Romanov dynasty. Their coronation was the most expensive in Russian history and also its last.

The book provides detailed accounts of balls, menus, military reviews, and other parties associated with the coronation. It also recounts the horrific deaths of many Russians waiting in a field for souvenirs of the coronation. It's a book for anyone interested in Romanov history.

My only regret is that there were not more pictures of the guests from the actual ceremony. ( )