Imperial Legend

One of Russiaís greatest emperors, beloved of his subjects for his many liberalizing works domestically and for his victory over the invincible Napoleon Bonaparte, Alexander I presumably died in 1825, at the age of 48. Ever since then, rumors have swirled that the young and vigorous Tsar, who carried within him a terrible secret, really faked his death to expiate an unpardonable sin, and spent the next 40 years as a starets, one of those holy men who in the 19th century wandered through Russia doing good works. The starets, brilliant and uncommonly erudite, was one Feodor Kuzmich. The author, who has spent over 20 years researching the legend, makes a compelling case that the great Alexander I and the humble starets were one and the same.