Which books did the Russian Tsars read? Perhaps the answer to this question can be found in the "Books in the Romanov Family" album, presented in the State Historical Museum on Jan. 19. This is a special "book about books" designed to familiarize the public with the book collections of the Romanov dynasty, from the first Romanov, Tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich, to the dynasty's last, Tsar Nicholas II.

Their books were usually richly bound in decorated velvet, silk and leather as well as bronze, silver, gold, platinum and ivory. "Deserving of special notice are the magnificent editions, often made in one single copy, which were presented to the royal family with autographs written by Russia and Europe's most famous writers," said Valery Durov, author of the "book about books."

Peter the Great brought a great number, mainly of a scientific nature, from his trips abroad. He also purchased books, indeed, whole libraries, in Russia itself. Empress Catherine II, who was very keen on French philosophers, in particular Voltaire and Diderot, with whom she regularly corresponded, bought several libraries containing their works.

Russia's last emperor, Nicholas II, was also a book collector. His heritage includes books of art, theology, imperial family chronicles, fiction and books on agriculture and railway transport. Reading aloud was an important tradition in the Tsar's family. Beside Russian, he could read English, French and Danish fluently.