Александр I

Alexander the First (1801-1825) was one of the most controversial Russian Tsars. He was involved in his father's assassination; started unsuccessful reforms; but won the war over Napoleon; founded the Lyceum of Tsarskoe Selo which gave to Russian culture not only Pushkin, but also many others who became the glory of the country; and founded the Union of European countries. The circumstances of the death of Aleksandr the First in Taganrog in 1825 raised a lot of speculation about his possible continued life. Some have tried to prove that the Russian monarch became a monk, and adopted another name. This new biography of Alexander I, written by a very young Russian historian, combines features of captivating fiction with conscientious study.