'Czars: Russia's Rulers for Over One Thousand Years' by James P. Duffy and Vincent L. Ricci

Czars, Russia’s Rulers for Over One Thousand Years, James P. Duffy and Vincent L. Ricci (3.0)

While this book was written in 1995, reading it this year, given what is happening between Russia and the Ukraine, is timely. Starting with the first ruler (Rurik) in the 9th century up to the Romanov’s in the early 1900s, the book covers the basic history and transitions between the rulers of areas we typically consider Russian. Probably the most surprising is that the first ruler, Rurik, was a Viking, as were several thereafter. This all started in Kiev – so the interest in that area by Russia today becomes interesting. Though given all the various peoples who have affected the culture and ruled the area, defining Russia is quite murky and difficult to do. Also, as with most monarchies affiliated with Europe during the first century, the intermarriages gave Russia many non-Russia rulers throughout. Many did not have any Russian blood whatsoever. I found this book to be a little dry, but a great primer and reminder of the complexity that is Russia.