All books are shipped from New Zealand 📚

Try our Gift Wrap Service free this weekend only 🎁

WRAPITUP

Catherine The Great

Portrait of a Woman
Series: Great Lives
3.94 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 104,747 ratings, 4,568 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Catherine The Great by Robert K. Massie explores the fascinating life of Catherine II of Russia, from her early years as a minor German princess to her transformative reign as one of Russia’s most significant and powerful rulers. The author delves into her political acumen, personal relationships, and the extensive reforms she enacted that modernised Russian society.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2999
GET IT FOR CHRISTMAS | OVERNIGHT DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy vivid, well-researched biographies that dive deep into the life of one of history's most influential female rulers. The author paints a captivating portrait of the empress, her personal and political life, and the profound impact she had on Russia.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Catherine The Great

The extraordinary story of an obscure German princess who became one of the most powerful women in history.

The extraordinary story of an obscure German princess who became one of the most powerful women in history.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The fascinating true story behind HBO's Catherine the Great starring Dame Helen Mirren as Catherine the Great awaits readers in Robert K. Massie's masterful biography. Born into a minor noble family, young Sophia transformed herself into Catherine, Empress of Russia, through sheer determination and political acumen. Her ascent to power is nothing short of extraordinary, marked by strategic marriages, cunning alliances, and an unwavering resolve that eventually led her to the throne. For thirty-four years, Catherine governed with a blend of enlightened ideas and ruthless pragmatism, steering the vast empire of Russia through tumultuous times.

Massie delves deeply into Catherine's personal and political life, painting a comprehensive portrait of a woman who was both a despotic ruler and a progressive thinker. Her reign saw significant advancements in Russian cultural development, education, and arts, leaving an indelible mark on the country's history. She faced down domestic rebellions and led Russia through pivotal foreign wars, continually expanding her influence and territory, all while navigating the treacherous waters of the French Revolution's political upheavals.

In Catherine the Great, Massie brings to life not only the empress herself but also the vibrant array of characters who surrounded her. The narrative springs to life with vivid descriptions of her family, friends, ministers, generals, lovers, and enemies, all of whom played critical roles in her story. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Massie captures the essence of an era and the complexities of a woman who was both feared and admired.

Few historical tales are as rich as that of Catherine the Great, and Massie's biography offers an unforgettable exploration of her life and legacy. For readers interested in the intricacies of Russian history, the dynamics of power, and the extraordinary life of a woman who changed the course of history, this book is an essential read.

Series: Great Lives

View all

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Catherine The Great by Robert K. Massie has been praised for its novelistic instincts by the New York Times. Publishers Weekly commended it as a masterful portrait of a majestic monarch, and Newsweek highlighted its sensitive and compelling depiction of Catherine as both a significant historical figure and a real woman.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781789544534

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 August 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Apollo

Illustration: 1 x 8pp colour

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 768

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

About the Author

Robert K. Massie was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and studied American history at Yale and European history at Oxford, which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar. He was president of the Authors Guild from 1987 to 1991. His books include Nicholas and Alexandra; Peter the Great: His Life and World (for which he won a Pulitzer Prize for biography); The Romanovs: The Final Chapter; Dreadnought: Britain, Germany, and the Coming of the Great War; and Castles of Steel: Britain, Germany, and the Winning of the Great War at Sea.

Also by Robert K. Massie

View all

More from Biography & Memoir

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 10,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Pick Ups

Auckland Pick Ups

We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

Reviews from our customers