In this issue…

The return of imperial grandeur

On the city’s birthday, 27 May, the new apartments of the Taleon Imperial Hotel at 15, Nevsky Prospekt and 14, Bolshaya Morskaya Street were opened after major repair and restoration work.

…8

“Devoid of the merchant’s petty greed”

His new shop amazed visitors with its splendour. Everyone acknowledged that this was the first bookshop in Russia constructed after the European pattern.

…10

“He lived amongst us…”

In the 1920s Zamirailo as an acknowledged master of book art was invited to work by many publishing houses: Gosizdat, Akvilon, Alkonost and others.

…22

A Time for Rational Decisions

The World Forum of the Foreign Diasporas of the Nations of Georgia was held in St Petersburg on 23–24 April this year.

…36

The alternating alternative

At the age of five Nikola began to suffer from uncommon phobias and obsessions. When excited he would see powerful flashes of light. Strange visions and images overwhelmed his brain.

…44

“To stand firm-legged by the sea…”

The European powers were already displaying an interest in the basin of that great river and the Sea of Okhotsk: the coast might become a bridgehead for the colonization of this extremely rich region.

…58

Shadows around the Throne

The list of monstrous crimes grew steadily. It was as if a black abyss opened up if front of the King: poisoners at his own court in Versailles!

…70

Yalta, where the green grapes grow…

Yalta’s proximity to the imperial estate of Livadia encouraged the town’s rapid growth and obliged its proprietors to take care of the appearance of the streets and buildings.

…86

"A tool in the hands of the People"

Abraham Lincoln's name is bound up with a key moment in American history -- the re-uniting of a nation split into two warring camps.

…100

The Boulevard of the Hungarian Aristocracy

The buildings erected along Andrássy Avenue would be an adornment to any European capital.

…104

Riders of the Foaming Waters

Constant training and competitions at Losevo raised the technique of the Leningrad sportsmen to an exceptionally high level.

…110

Let there be light!

In the nineteenth century the streetlamps no longer merely provided a measure of safety for those going about their business after dark, but also gradually became an adornment of the city.

…118