A Russian woman crosses herself during a memorial service for the last Russian royal family at the Assumption Cathedral near Moscow.

Web posted on: Friday, July 17, 1998 2:15:35 PM EDT

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (CNN) -- The official burial of the remains of Russia's last czar on Friday -- 80 years to the day after his assassination -- has reminded millions of the splendid and tragic story of the Russian monarchy.

It's also the beginning of an effort to bring that story to the United States.

In August, the exhibition "Nicholas and Alexandra: The Last Imperial Family of Czarist Russia," begins a three-city tour of the United States, beginning in Wilmington, Delaware. And in September, the related book to the exhibition will be released.

A royal life

The book, "Nicholas and Alexandra: The Last Imperial Family of Czarist Russia," is an intimate look at a life lived in royal elegance, with 644 illustrations, 283 photographs and documents from archives (many never before published), letters from Nicholas to Alexandra, as well as her diary entries. The books takes readers from the moment of Nicholas and Alexandra's betrothal to their death in 1918 at the hands of Bolshevik revolutionaries.

Nicholas II and Alexandra met in 1884. He was 16, son of the Russian czar, Alexander III. She was 12, named Alix at the time, daughter of a German grand duke, and granddaughter of England's Queen Victoria. Observers said they were madly passionate for each other. In ten years they were married, and Alexandra had five children -- four daughters and a son.

Their royal union and happiness is evident in early records and photographs seen in the book. "Nicholas and Alexandra" opens with dazzling pictures of paintings, furniture, a gilded carriage, an imperial throne, ball gowns and uniforms, gifts from Nicholas to Alexandra, including imperial Easter eggs made at Faberge' workshops, all in taste with the extravagant Russian aristocracy.

The final months

The book, to be published by Harry N. Abrams Inc., in association with Booth-Clibborn Editions, London, also touches upon the personal anguish experienced by the Romanov dynasty, including Alexandra's torment over son Alexei's battle with hemophilia, and the czar's increasing isolation as the country devolved into war.

Perhaps most intriguing are the records kept of the final months before the execution. Following Nicholas' abdication and exile to Siberia, diaries and photographs offer a uniquely intimate glimpse at the royal family. Even the ration card given to Nicholas in captivity, on which he is referred to as "Ex-Emperor," is preserved and shown in the book.

Following their execution, Nicholas and his family were buried in a secret grave in an attempt to wipe out their legacy. But the records of their existence serve to keep their spirit alive in their ever-changing homeland.

Related stories:

• Russia buries last czar
• Decision expected Friday on burial of czar's remains - February 27, 1998
• Romanov jewels return to Russian hands - April 28, 1997

Related sites:
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• Palaces of Petersburg - Romanov links
• Russian Orthodox Church

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