‘Nikola & Milena: King & Queen of the Black Mountain’ is the second groundbreaking collaboration between Royalty Magazine (Leppi Publications) and a state archive, in this instance the The Museum of King Nikola I in the capital of Old Montenegro, Cetinje. The life and times of the Petrović-Njegoš dynasty and Montenegro is little known outside the Balkans, but is in fact one of the most fascinating and dramatic royal histories ever. Whilst the focus has often been on the role Montenegro’s neighbour Serbia played in history, most famously at the outset of The Great War, the mountain kingdom of legendary warriors was a historical jewel still to be discovered. 
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Opening chapter pages from ‘Nikola & Milena: King & Queen of the Black Mountain’.
It was therefore a leap of faith as the publishers and archivists of The Museum of King Nikola I set about the huge task of photographing and cataloguing the thousands of photographs and documents. The experience gained from the production of ‘The Romanovs, Love, Power & Tragedy’ proved the ideal platform as an equally ambitious project was begun: to produce the definitive account of the Petrović-Njegoš dynasty, with the focus on its last and greatest ruler, King Nikola I, and his consort, Queen Milena. The photographs and documents available were as, if not more, remarkable than anticipated, revealing a treasure house of royal and Balkan history. Purchase this book
The marriage of King Nikola’s daughter, Jelena, to Crown Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Italy on October 24, 1896, was a dynastic triumph for Montenegro’s ruler.
With over 600 photographs and documents to accompany the story, Royalty Magazine Editor Marco Houston tells the story of Montenegro and its dynasty from the birth of the state in the middle ages to the fall of the Petrović-Njegoš dynasty in the aftermath of The Great War. Alongside the archive materials, no stone was left unturned to track down additional documents and sources to illuminate a story as dramatic as it is complex. ‘Nikola & Milena: King & Queen of the Black Mountain’ is an intimate royal and personal family history, as well as an account of an extraordinary moment in European history as the old world raced towards its golgotha. An outstanding work of royal biography and European history, beautifully presented with some of the finest photographic reproduction ever seen. Without hyperbole it can be said that this is a royal title without rival. As the festive season approaches Royalty Magazine is offering our readers, and visitors to our website, the chance to purchase our classic royal titles at a 50% discount. Purchase this book
Queen Milena and the Royal Family during a mountain outing. The party are using umbrellas to shield themselves from the sweltering summer heat.
Queen Milena and the Royal Family during a mountain outing. The party are using umbrellas to shield themselves from the sweltering summer heat. ‘Nikola & Milena: King & Queen of the Black Mountain’. © 2003 Leppi Publications. ISBN 978-0-9521644-4-9.
