The Taleon Club hosted the awards ceremony of the All-Russian Alexander Nevsky literary competition.

…8

Yakov Gordin: “The artistic exploration of the past is a vital necessity for the present day.”

…14

The years passed, eras and monarchs changed, but this princely line continued to occupy a very prominent place among the Russian aristocracy.

…20

“At that time being a Bolshevik meant following the line of greatest resistance; and I was then a Bolshevik,” he confessed in his autobiography. Bat he very quickly becamedisillusioned with the new authorities, more precisely with the Bolsheviks’ efforts to steamroller individuality.

…32

Towards the end of 2005, the Taleon public joint-stock company intends to float its shares on the Russian stock exchange.

…44

There is no other structure in the Russian market capable of realistically competing with the Taleon Club and the Eliseev Palace Hotel.

…46

He readily entered into an acquaintance and turned up everywhere. Almost every evening “His Highness” headed for some suburban restaurant, where money flowed like water from his wallet.

…60

The main cause of his life was to be the revival of Russia’s navy after the terrible defeat in the Russo-Japanese War.

…76

No-one knew of him performing a single deed worthy of the praises that were lavished upon him.

…86

Between a few dozen and several thousand men could be on each side in a wall fight.

…98

Now, when there is nothing to make one doubt the reliability of the product, it is time for an outburst of emotion.

…106

Collecting is an absorbing pastime, like games of chance that you cannot quit.

…112

They make devastating raids on neighbouring tribes, fishing and farming settlements, leaving horrific sights behind them.

…122