In this issue…

Guests of Laughter

Holidays, and especially the New Year, are a time of hard work for performers of all kinds and levels. But for clowns this holiday is particularly dear to the heart. That is a fact recorded in the historical annals.

…8

”The Red Baroness”

At court Varvara Ivanovna was known by the nickname “the Red Baroness”. She used her connections in high society and the favour she enjoyed with both the current and the dowager empress to help members of the radical political parties.

…16

Virtuosi of Comfort

Anthony Seddon-Holland, the representative of the Guild of Professional English Butlers, travelled to St Petersburg specially to share the secrets of the profession with the staff of the Taleon Imperial Hotel.

…28

A Symphony of Taste

The collection of brandies that the Taleon Club has assembled evokes delighted admiration: more than 200 varieties of this noble drink from the best producers around the world.

…38

The Crowned Fire Inspector

A vivid example of the Empress’s lively interest in all sorts of affairs of state was the investigation into the causes of frequent fires on the ships of the Baltic fleet.

…40

“I place my gift in your hands”

Before becoming famous across Russia and earning the respect and admiration of many figures of the Silver Age, Maria Klavdiyevna had to travel a long and stony path. She was many times obliged to show firmness of character and to say no in circumstances when a weaker woman of her time would have given up and given in.

…46

A Servant of All Masters

He advanced over the corpses of his erstwhile protectors and snatched people he needed from the mire. He was capable of playing a risky role in the centre of the stage, but as soon as he sensed danger he immediately withdrew to the wings.

…64

In the capital city of Chernigov

It was Mstislav when expanding the boundaries of the Russian state, who laid down an important principle of Russian policy. In contrast to Western diplomacy, which took as its guideline “divide and rule”, Rus’ took a different line: “unite and defend all the peoples under your sway”.

…80

“not a stream, but the sea”

It was only fifty years after Bach’s death that people began to appreciate his music again, while his life story became a subject of interest for numerous biographers.

…92

Fifth Avenue

It is this street that, despite the competing claims of Madison and Park Avenue, is considered the most prestigious in New York. Fifth Avenue is famous for its history, its inhabitants and its fashionable stores.

…96

“To return the sabre shine to courage…”

The “Big Walls – Russian Routes” project began in 1995. That was when Alexander Odintsov had the idea of pioneering ten new routes up mountain faces classified as “Big Walls”, the highest category of walls, in different parts of the world.

…104

“Life used to last longer when people did not watch their diet…”

Society dining followed the dictates of fashion that laid down the way the table was laid, the menu and the way the dishes were served, invitations to dine, behaviour at table and the decoration of dining-rooms.

…114