The Eternal Is Created through Labour!

On 27 May the Taleon company presented to Petersburgers a mansion of the Sheremetevs literally reborn from the ashes and restored to its original splendour.

…8

An "Amsterdam-like Paradise" on the Neva

The yachtsmen around the world recall the "hereditary Neva fleet" as a forerunner of all today’s yacht clubs in Russia and abroad.

…20

The Light and Dark of the Silver Age

Nappelbaum was a completely apolitical person: he never derived any benefit for his official commissions and by the beginning of the Stalin era had switched completely to people in the arts.

…30

A Noble Gathering in the Taleon Club

Royal Doulton bone china from England, Waterford crystal from Ireland and Sambonet silver cutlery from Italy will soon make their appearance in the grand hall of the Taleon restaurant.

…40

In the Alleys of Surprises and Dreams

In the evenings the gardens in Petersburg shone with exceptionally beautiful illuminations, while all the city’s crossroads were papered with the bills and portraits of café-chantant celebrities.

…48

The Ups and Downs of a Russian Ace in America

No one would have predicted at that moment that the young invalid would become one of the most celebrated air aces of the First World War and later go down in history as an aircraft constructor, businessman and air-combat theoretician.

…58

Treason at West Point

He took part in privateering raids, was captured and escaped, fought duels and court cases. All that time he was tormented by the powerless fury of a swindled man: the British had paid a pittance for treason.

…70

Requiem for Himself

All of Mozart’s life, every instant of it was filled with music. The great composer’s extraordinary fate gave rise to a host of legends and literary masterpieces.

…86

Visiting Cards of a Bygone Era

On these old postcards that St Petersburg of 100 years ago continues to live its daily life, with its own everyday concerns and joys.

…90

Vladimir Nabokov’s Delight

In his activities literature and entomology were always inseparable, but in time literature came to occupy first place, while butterflies became a relaxation and an unfailing source of inspiration.

…100

Dolls That Everyone Plays With

A fascination with dolls is far from being exclusive to the fairer sex. Almost half the dedicated collectors are men, with many prominent politicians and businessmen among them.

…106

Flying "Dinosaurs"

Airships, like dinosaurs, attract our attention with their huge size and bright colours, and always evoke positive emotions in spectators.

…114

Diamonds from Bentley and New Facets of Pininfarina

Automobile manufacturers continue to surprise the world with novelties: the number of premieres clearly exceeded all expectations, and such great variety is simply thrilling!

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