Michael and Natasha: The Life and Love of Michael ll the Last of the Romanov Tsars

A riveting new side of the Romanov dynasty is revealed by drawing, for the first time, upon documents and letters from the epic romance between Michael II, last tsar of Russia, and his twice-married lover, Natasha. The volume includes never-before-seen photos.

The year was 1906. Michael Romanov, brother of Tsar Nicholas II, was grand duke and heir to the throne of imperial Russia when he first danced with Natasha Wulfert. She was twenty-six, beautiful, and already on her second marriage after a scandalous affair had ended her first. It was love at first dance, beginning a romance that would last more than a decade, and withstand ridicule, jealousy, and every effort of the mighty Romanov family to squelch it.

Rosemary and Donald Crawford have spent years researching the Romanovs, culling from material across Europe, most significantly from Russian state archives that were made available only within the last six years. From the love child the couple had in 1910 to the dismay of the imperial family; through Michael's brazen escape from the watchful eyes of the secret police to elope with Natasha to Vienna, risking his legacy for a happy exile in Europe; to Michael's ascension to the throne and his murder in 1918 during the last days of Romanov power; it is all here, in a never-before-told story that will enthrall devotees of both the Romanov saga and admirers of legendary romance.