Two Marias
Ivan Dronov
In the column “Publication” which is included in almost every issue of the magazine the broad public has a chance to read at least fragments of books, read by the editorial board and leaving a strong impression. Among these is “The Emperor Alexander III and His Epoch”, a chapter of which – “Two Marias” – we are quoting in our artistic and educational publication upon the consent of the author I.E. Dronov, Ph.D. (History). The part describing the painful decision of Alexander III, who as heir to the throne was faced by a choice between his feelings and duty stir many emotions. Following hisfather’s demand to part with Maria Meshcherskaya, the Great Duke Alexander Alexandrovich attained family happiness in his marriage to Princess Dagmar christened Maria Fyodorovna.
Key words: Emperor Alexander III, heir to the throne Alexander Alexandrovich, Maria Meshcherskaya, Maria Fyodorovna (Dagmar), choice, feelings and duty.