The study of Peterhof, the summer residence of the Romanov dynasty on the Baltic Sea, a historical space created by the mind, talent, and will of Peter the Great, has been ongoing for three centuries. Historians have always focused primarily on the architectural monuments and have rarely touched on the private lives of Peterhof's owners. Meanwhile, among the suburbs of St. Petersburg, Peterhof alone is linked to the private lives of absolutely every member of the Romanov dynasty—from Peter I to Nicholas II. All of them, to a greater or lesser extent, contributed their individual traits to the formation of the appearance of the capital of fountains, turning the palaces into architectural self-portraits.
At the main dacha of the empire, not only state but also everyday matters were resolved; romances, intrigues, illnesses, and conflicts took place in its daily life. The author strives to depict the inner world of the heroes of this book, separated from us by centuries, and the multifaceted Peterhof reality of bygone times, as a unique 'theater of court life.' The reader, cast as a spectator, experiences a grand performance staged in a unique stage space, with unusual sets and superb performers. Chamber journals, diaries, letters, and numerous other sources contributed to the realization of the author's unique vision.
The book will be useful to historians, cultural scholars, and a wide range of readers interested in Russian history.

Author: Elena Kalnitskaya