A study of the marriage of the last Russian tsar and tsarina offers psychological insights into their relationship and covers the Empress's ill health, their relationship with confidante Ania Vyrubova, and their reliance on the infamous Rasputin.

Setting the scene : the Romanov tercentenary -- The empress's illness, and her friend Ania -- Mystical circles, and the struggle to produce an heir -- Autocracy in crisis -- Beginnings -- After the coronation -- Family matters -- Grigory the wonder-worker -- Upsets at home, and the beginning of war -- The great fight -- From command to abdication -- From ex's to icons.