St Petersburg

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This is an unforgettable epic history of St Petersburg, one of the most magical, menacing and influential cities in the world. 'St Petersburg' recreates the drama of over 300 years of this absurd and brilliant city, beginning with the homicidal megalomania of its founder, Peter the Great, and the sadism of its early rulers. It follows its tyrants, subjects, subversives, its artists, dancers, lovers and entrepreneurs as St Petersburg first turns itself into a vast work of art and then into the crucible for revolution. A backdrop to the great conflicts and upheavals of the twentieth century, this city's thrilling story continues to the present day, when, once more, its fate hangs in the balance. An ambitious and passionate Russian tale of murder, mastery and madness, played out against a backdrop of squalor and splendour. St Petersburg is an important and brilliant book, an unforgettable celebration of this incredible city and its inhabitants.