<![CDATA[Fabergé's Eggs: The Extraordinary Story of the Masterpieces That Outlived an Empire]]>

false <![CDATA[Fabergé's Eggs: The Extraordinary Story of the Masterpieces That Outlived an Empire]]> http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1256159532m/2642715.jpg 2642715 2 In Stradivari’s Genius, Toby Faber charted the fascinating course of some of the world’s most prized musical instruments. Now, in this enthralling new book, he tells the story of objects that are, to many, the pinnacle of the jeweler’s art: the Fabergé imperial eggs. The Easter presents that Russia’s last two czars gave to their czarinas have become synonymous with privilege, beauty, and an almost provocative uselessness. They are perhaps the most redolent symbols of the old empire’s phenomenal craftsmanship, of the decadence of its court, and of the upheavals that brought about its inevitable downfall. Fabergé’s Eggs is the first book to recount the remarkable story of these masterpieces, taking us from the circumstances that inspired each egg’s design, through their disappearance in the trauma of revolution, to their eventual reemergence in the global marketplace. In 1885, Carl Fabergé created a seemingly plain white egg for Czar Alexander III to give to his beloved wife, Marie Fedorovna. It was the surprises hidden inside that made it special: a diamond miniature of the Imperial crown and a ruby pendant. This gift began a tradition that would last for more than three decades: lavishly extravagant eggs commemorating public events that, in retrospect, seem little more than staging posts on the march to revolution. Above all, the eggs illustrate the attitudes that would ultimately lead to the downfall of the Romanovs: their apparent indifference to the poverty that choked their country, their preference for style over substance, and, during the reign of Nicholas II, their all-consuming concern with the health of the czarevitch Alexis, the sickly heir to the throne–a preoccupation that would propel them toward Rasputin and the doom of the dynasty. More than a superb new account of a classic tragedy, Fabergé’s Eggs illuminates some fascinating aspects of twentieth-century history. The eggs’ amazing journey from revolutionary Russia features a cast of characters including embattled Bolsheviks, acquisitive British royals, eccentric artifact salesmen, and such famous business and society figures as Arm and Hammer, Marjorie Merriweather Post, and Malcolm Forbes. Finally, Toby Faber tantalizingly suggests that some of the eggs long thought lost may eventually emerge. Darting from the palaces of a besieged Russia to the showcases of New York’s modern mega-wealthy, Fabergé’s Eggs weaves a story unparalleled in its drama and extravagance. Praise for Stradivari’s Genius “Fascinating . . . lively . . . more enthralling, earthy and illuminating than any fiction could be.” –The New York Times Book Review “A celebration of six instruments and the master craftsman who made them . . . [Faber] brings to the subject an infectious fascination with Stradivari’s life and trade. . . . He writes with clarity and fluency.” –Chicago Tribune “An extraordinary accomplishment and a compelling read. Like strange totems that cast an irresistible spell, these instruments bring out the best and the worst of those who would own them, and Faber deftly tells the stories in all their rich and surprising detail.” –Thad Carhart, author of The Piano Shop on the Left Bank “A worthy contribution to the ongoing legend of Stradivari.” –Minneapolis Star Tribune “Fascinating, accessible, and enjoyable.” –Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl with a Pearl Earring 2667451 7 10 2008 Fabergé's Eggs: The Extraordinary Story of the Masterpieces That Outlived an Empire total:32|5:5|4:15|3:10|2:2|1:0| 32 119 68 11 3 1 false false Wed Nov 26 05:58:40 -0800 2008 Mon Dec 22 12:09:10 -0800 2008 more...]]> 3 1 false false Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 -0700 2008 Thu Nov 06 11:42:49 -0800 2008 Thu Nov 06 11:43:34 -0800 2008 more...]]> 4 0 false false Mon Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2008 Mon Dec 22 18:38:18 -0800 2008 Mon Dec 22 18:40:15 -0800 2008 more...]]> 4 0 false false Sun Jul 05 20:33:38 -0700 2009 Sun Jul 05 20:37:07 -0700 2009 3 0 false false Tue Dec 09 00:00:00 -0800 2008 Tue Dec 02 18:03:38 -0800 2008 Tue Dec 09 17:40:43 -0800 2008 4 0 false false Thu Nov 27 00:00:00 -0800 2008 Tue Dec 30 00:48:42 -0800 2008 Tue Dec 30 00:49:55 -0800 2008 4 0 false false Sat Feb 07 00:00:00 -0800 2009 Wed Nov 12 19:26:56 -0800 2008 Sun Feb 08 13:26:12 -0800 2009 more...]]> 2 0 false false Tue Mar 17 00:00:00 -0700 2009 Sun Feb 01 08:26:14 -0800 2009 Tue Mar 17 13:13:29 -0700 2009 3 0 false false Mon Dec 08 00:00:00 -0800 2008 Sat Sep 27 12:26:22 -0700 2008 Mon Dec 08 07:58:55 -0800 2008 4 0 false false Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 -0700 2008 Mon Nov 10 17:53:21 -0800 2008 Mon Nov 10 17:54:04 -0800 2008 4 0 false false Tue Aug 04 09:13:18 -0700 2009 Thu Apr 02 09:55:39 -0700 2009 Tue Aug 04 09:13:18 -0700 2009 4 0 false false Sun Oct 18 14:34:14 -0700 2009 Sun Oct 18 14:34:14 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Fri Oct 09 12:20:16 -0700 2009 Fri Oct 09 12:20:16 -0700 2009 3 0 false false Fri Feb 01 00:00:00 -0800 2008 Sat Sep 26 19:30:45 -0700 2009 Sat Sep 26 19:31:10 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Mon Aug 24 11:43:24 -0700 2009 Mon Aug 24 11:43:24 -0700 2009 3 0 false false Fri Aug 28 14:04:49 -0700 2009 Wed Aug 19 19:42:39 -0700 2009 Fri Aug 28 14:04:49 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Mon Aug 17 13:37:43 -0700 2009 Mon Aug 17 13:37:43 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Tue Aug 04 14:44:30 -0700 2009 Tue Aug 04 14:44:30 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Mon Aug 03 07:53:06 -0700 2009 Mon Aug 03 07:53:15 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Wed Jul 29 07:15:38 -0700 2009 Thu Aug 06 05:35:31 -0700 2009 http://www.goodreads.com/book_link/follow/8?book_id=2642715