Latvia Attractions

The importance of being Ernst

Advantages: Architectural and decorative splendour
Disadvantages: Off the beaten track

Ernst Johann Biron was a bit of a lad. He came from lowly origins; his grandfather had been a mere groom in the stables of the Duke of Courland. He never completed his education, being chucked out of Königsberg Academy for riotous conduct. Despite this unpromising start, his charm and audacity helped him rise to become the most influential courtier at the Russian Imperial court. Ultimately he even acquired the title of Duke of Courland for himself ...
...in that province, now part of Latvia. Like those of most adventurers, Ernst Biron's career had its ups and downs. In his case, the most profitable ups and downs took place in the bedchamber of the Tsarina Anna Ivanovna, who ruled Russia from 1730 to 1740. To judge from his portrait, Ernst didn't look the answer to every Tsarina's prayer, but who can account for the prayers of women, let alone of empresses? Her favour gave him rank and power, and ...

torr 15.08.2007 · Read full review
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