....44

God preserves all

By a wicked irony of fate, some mystic force decreed that fire should play a deadly role in the history of the Sheremetev mansion.

...36

The Diamond in the Imperial Crown

Once Catherine needed him so urgently that messengers were dispatched to all parts of the city with orders to look even in the foulest dives.

...8

We are experiencing a period of spiritual freedom

Just as the profound beauty of our North is reflected in the waters of the Tikhvin lakes, the Tikhvin icon reflects its profound spirituality.

...16

The Strange Feeling of a Full Stomach

The well-fed summer of 1921, spent in simple peasant labours and inspired creative work went down in the memory of the guests from DISK as a beautiful play.

...26

The Magnificent Four

Who does not believe in success as they sit down at the card table?

...46

Cherchez la Fine de Claire

So, it’s happened. That famous society lady No 1, Mademoiselle Fine de Claire and her party have arrived in Russia.

...50

...56

Diabolic Ships

Sailors were convinced that every ship trailed behind it a dismal procession of dead men sewn into shrouds who silently accompanied the vessels that passed over them

...60

A Russian Bayard

He might lounge on his divan for hours, smoking his pipe and sadly repeating, "No war!"

...68

Yevno Azef: the peak of horror and infamy

There was, it means, something in him that set him apart from the ranks of Judases no less vile, but even more paltry.

...84

The Art of Happiness

On 14 June a memorial plaque was formally unveiled at the Buddhist temple to its founder and first abbot, Agwan Dorzhiev.

...96

Sir Edmund Hillary: "Nothing Venture, Nothing Win"

He spent his whole life risking – climbing Everest, making for the South Pole, seeking traces of the Yeti in the Himalayas.

...104

...112

...116

A Winged Wonder

Incidentally, still today pigeon-fanciers abroad will sometimes pay considerable sums for an outstanding homing pigeon.

...122