Thirteen Years at the Russian Court

Thirteen Years at the Russian Court is a personal record of the last years and death of the Czar Nicholas II. and his family, written by Pierre Gilliard, formerly tutor to the Czarevitch. The introduction says its writer was able to return to Europe in September, 1920, after staying three years in Siberia. The writer recalls the great interest which the Czarina, a mother with a high sense of duty, took in the education and training of her children.

The writer says the Czarina appointed one of her ladies-in-waiting, Princess Obolensky, to take her place during his lessons. The text says the differences between the sovereign and the representatives of the nation had only increased since that memorable February 22nd, on which Nicholas II. had presented himself to the Duma in his sincere desire for reconciliation. The text says the Czar had long been hesitating to grant the liberal concessions which had been demanded, and that he considered it dangerous to attempt reforms while the war was raging.