Tsar Executions by James Carter

Tsar Executions explores the history of regicide in Russia, from Ivan the Terrible's purges to the Romanov dynasty's tragic end, illuminating the political upheavals that followed. It examines how autocratic power and revolutionary fervor intertwined to define Russia's past. The book highlights that executions of Russian rulers weren't isolated events but symptoms of systemic failures and a volatile relationship between the Tsar and the people. For example, the assassination of Alexander II, driven by revolutionary movements, significantly altered Russia's trajectory.

The book progresses chronologically and thematically, starting with the evolution of Russian autocracy and delving into key periods like the Time of Troubles and Peter the Great's reforms. It investigates the circumstances, motivations, and consequences of each execution. This book is unique in its psychological exploration of both rulers who ordered executions and those who carried them out, providing a nuanced understanding of power, fear, and violence.

By understanding these historical executions, readers can gain insights into the fragility of power and the consequences of unchecked authority.