Simon Sebag Montefiore (@simonmontefiore) discusses his new book, The Romanovs: 1613–1918. Until the 1900s, journalist and historian Montefiore tells PW Radio, "the Romanovs had been the most successful dynasty of modern times."

The Romanovs, he says, is "a story of power, a story of family." He adds, "I wished to show how Russia became the Russia of today."

The award-winning author of popular history books and British TV presenter calls Catherine the Great "a lovable figure... a genius."

Then, PW editorial director Jim Milliot previews BookExpo America's return to Chicago.