Zoia Belyakova

This coffee table-sized book tells the story of Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna of Russia, the eldest daughter of Tsar Nicholas I. Grand Duchess Maria was unique among Russian grand duchesses in that she was the only one to have a palace specifically built for her in St. Petersburg. The result was the Mariinsky Palace. This book features stunning photographs of the palace interiors. Sadly, since this palace is a government building, there are none of the sumptuous furnishings that would've been present in the grand duchess's time. However, the intricate architectural designs are still present and beautiful to see.

I wish this book would've gone into greater detail in describing what it was like to live at the palace. The book takes us on a tour of the grand reception rooms and it tells us of the specifics of each one. However, it doesn't tell us any history or anecdotes that took place in them.

My favorite room in the palace was the Orthodox chapel painstakingly restored to its former glory. After the war, it was used as a movie screening room. It was later reconsecrated as a church.

A lovely look at a building from a bygone era.… (more)