The story of Czar Nicholas and the disappearance of the royal family was a source of controversy for decades. Did they escape or were they murdered? Smythe presents facts he assembled from two diaries. He hoped to use Rescuing the Czar to set the record straight. From his preface, "IF Rescuing the Czar" does no more than set at rest the _fable_ of the "Romanoff Execution," it will have done its work by characterizing the source and methods and objects of its inspiration. If it raises the presumption of generosity in quarters generally subject to suspicion, it will be equally praiseworthy for expelling the darkness that has always hovered around Imperial thrones. If it does nothing but portray the dignified composure of Russian womanhood in the presence of unspeakable affronts, it will have justified its publication by adding to the diadem of virtue a few more jewels to glorify the crest of motherhood. If it performs no other service than to place upon the pale face of tragic possibility the red-pink blush of romantic probabilities, it will have justified its presence in the society of the learned by the sincerity of its purpose and the candor of its appeal to the conscience of the world."