In the early l980s, Alex Shoumatoff became curious about his roots. Both his grandmothers were in their 90s, and with a sense of urgency he collected their stories and reminiscences about their life as White Russian aristocrats, which was unceremoniously put an end to by the Bolshevik Revolution; how they "got out" and made new lives in America. The narrative he went on to assemble, which "compares favorably with Nabokov," one critic wrote, brings to life the langorous Turgenevian existence on an estate in Little Russia, of ...
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In the early l980s, Alex Shoumatoff became curious about his roots. Both his grandmothers were in their 90s, and with a sense of urgency he collected their stories and reminiscences about their life as White Russian aristocrats, which was unceremoniously put an end to by the Bolshevik Revolution; how they "got out" and made new lives in America. The narrative he went on to assemble, which "compares favorably with Nabokov," one critic wrote, brings to life the langorous Turgenevian existence on an estate in Little Russia, of an exceptionally erudite and cultivated family of artists and natural scientists in the final years of the doomed tsarist empire; the failed attempt of Kerensky's provisional government to convert the absolute monarchy to a constitutional one; the l912 expedition to Tibet of his great-uncle, a celebrated lepidopterist, who was looking for new species of alpine papilios; the early years of Igor Sikorsky's fledgling emigre aircraft company on Long Island; the death of FDR, while sitting for a portrait by his grandmother in Warm Springs, Georgia; the escape from the Gulag of his great-aunt; and a host of other poignant events and marvelous characters.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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Good. Paperback This item shows wear from consistent use but remains in good readable condition. It may have marks on or in it, and may show other signs of previous use or shelf wear. May have minor creases or signs of wear on dust jacket. Packed with care, shipped promptly.
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Acceptable. Paperback The item is fairly worn but still readable. Signs of wear include aesthetic issues such as scratches, worn covers, damaged binding. The item may have identifying markings on it or show other signs of previous use. May have page creases, creased spine, bent cover or markings inside. Packed with care, shipped promptly.
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Very Good. Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp.
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Very Good. Size: 8x5x0; 312 p., clean and unmarked on strong paper faintly age-toned; period photos and family tree drawing; binding tight; the lower edge of front panel ofphotographic wrapper is creased, as is lower edge of half t.p.; otherwise edge wear is minimal, plus two tiny stray ballpoint pen marks on fore-edge.