Owen Matthews Owen Matthews

Distrust and resentment have plagued Anglo-Russian relations for centuries

On a visit to England in 1556, Ivan the Terrible’s envoy alienated Londoners with his extreme suspicions – and lurid insults have been exchanged ever since

Portrait of Ivan the Terrible. His ambassador to London caused deep offence during Mary Tudor’s reign. [Fine Art Images/Getty Images]
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  • The First Cold War: Anglo-Russian Relations in the 19th Century

    Barbara Emerson

    Hurst, pp. 544, £35

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