The First Cold War

"‘Emerson covers her ground with exemplary thoroughness, mining a variety of British and Russian archival materials… . She is excellent on how Russian spies broke British diplomatic codes… [and] has a sharp eye for the unusual or entertaining detail.’ -- Financial Times '[An] original and always readable study of British and Russian relations in the 19th century.' -- Literary Review 'Barbara Emerson is a distinguished historian. Her richly researched account exposes in great detail the never-ending tensions between the two powers. This is essential reading.' -- Hella Pick, former UN correspondent for The Guardian, and author of 'Invisible Walls: A Journalist in Search of Her Life' 'A masterful account of the suspicion, distrust and rivalries between Britain and Russia, from Peter the Great to the Anglo-Russian Convention. Impeccably researched and beautifully written, this is history at its best.' -- Coryne Hall, author of 'Queen Victoria and the Romanovs: Sixty Years of Mutual Distrust' 'Deftly navigates the depths and shallows of Anglo-Russian relations and delivers both a lucid exposition of events and a vivid impression of the remarkable men and women who participated.' -- Jenny Antill, author of 'Small Acts of Kindness: A Tale of the First Russian Revolution' 'This is more than just a diplomatic history. Use of Russian and English archives, memoirs, travellers' accounts and private correspondence shows the influence of royalty, diplomats and society on policies, and makes for a fascinating read.' -- Beryl Williams, Emeritus Reader in History, University of Sussex 'A romp through the long period from 16th-century British traders' and diplomats' first ""discovery"" of Muscovy as a state meriting their attention to the 1907 Anglo-Russian Convention.' -- Andrew Sheppard, editor of East–West Review"