Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich of Russia. Autograph and typewritten manuscript of The Book of My Life's Experience 1866 – 1931 (unsigned) 1931 Romanov, Alexander Mikhailovich (Grand Duke of Russia). Autograph and typewritten manuscript (unsigned), (659) full pages (10 ½ x 8 ¼ in. 270 x 210 mm), dated on first page "Began February 25 [1931]", being the original manuscript of the unpublished memoirs of the Grand Duke, later used as the basis for "Once a Grand Duke" [New York: 1932]. Pages heavily annotated with corrections in the Grand Duke's own hand, bends to corners, losses, oxidation, rust marks at sites of original paperclips separating sections. PROVENANCE: Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich; Prince Nikita Alexandrovich; Prince Alexander Nikitch Romanoff; Princess Maria Romanoff. This extraordinary discovery is the complete and unpublished memoirs of Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich, the husband of Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna, sister of Nicholas II. The son of Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich and a grandson of Emperor Nicholas I, the Grand Duke married his cousin Xenia Alexandrovna, daughter of Emperor Alexander III. Detailing the Grand Duke's life from childhood through his naval service, the First World War, and the Russian Revolution and exile, the manuscript differs remarkably from the final published work of the following year "Once A Grand Duke." In the offered lot, the Grand Duke offers unfiltered commentary on family members and events which did not find their way into the final published book. The differences between the manuscript and the final book indicate that "Once A Grand Duke" may, in fact, have been written by an American ghostwriter using the offered manuscript as a primary resource. Estate of Princess Maria Romanoff HID03101062020 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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