Format:
1 Online-Ressource (xiv, 328 pages, [16] pages of plates)
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illustrations (some color), portraits
Edition:
Online-Ausg. [S.l.] HathiTrust Digital Library Electronic reproduction
ISBN:
0300120419
,
0300150555
,
1282352377
,
9780300120417
,
9780300150551
,
9781282352377
Content:
Filled with a remarkable cast of characters and set against the backdrop of imperial Russia, this tale of forbidden romance could be the stuff of a great historical novel. But in fact The Pearl tells a true tale, reconstructed in part from archival documents that have lain untouched for centuries. Douglas Smith presents the most complete and accurate account ever written of the illicit love between Count Nicholas Sheremetev (1751-1809), Russia's richest aristocrat, and Praskovia Kovalyova (1768-1803), his serf and the greatest opera diva of her time. Blessed with a beautiful voice, Praskovia began her training in Nicholas's operatic company as a young girl. Like all the members of Nicholas's troupe, Praskovia was one of his own serfs. But unlike the others, she utterly captured her master's heart. The book reconstructs Praskovia's stage career as "The Pearl" and the heartbreaking details of her romance with Nicholas-years of torment before their secret marriage, the outrage of the aristocracy when news of the marriage emerged, Praskovia's death only days after delivering a son, and the unyielding despair that followed Nicholas to the end of his life. Written with grace and style, The Pearl sheds light on the world of the Russian aristocracy, music history, and Russian attitudes toward serfdom. But above all, the book tells a haunting story of love against all odds
Note:
Includes bibliographical references and index
,
Use copy Restrictions unspecified star MiAaHDL
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Family Trees xv -- I Kuskovo -- II Ostankino -- III The Fountain House.
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Electronic reproduction
,
Master and use copy. Digital master created according to Benchmark for Faithful Digital Reproductions of Monographs and Serials, Version 1. Digital Library Federation, December 2002.
,
In English
Additional Edition:
ISBN 9780300120417
Additional Edition:
ISBN 0300120419
Additional Edition:
Erscheint auch als Druck-Ausgabe Smith, Douglas, 1962- Pearl New Haven : Yale University Press, ©2008
Language:
English
URL:
Volltext
(lizenzpflichtig)
Author information:
Smith, Douglas 1962-
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