Peter the Great: His Life and World by Robert K. Massie

“Peter the Great: His Life and World” by Robert K. Massie is a biography of the 17th century Tsar of Russia, Peter the Great. The book provides a detailed account of Peter’s life and accomplishments, as well as the historical and cultural context in which he lived.

The book begins by exploring Peter’s childhood and early years, including his relationship with his father, Tsar Alexis, and his upbringing in a world of political intrigue and power struggles. It then moves on to Peter’s reign as Tsar, during which he undertook a series of ambitious and far-reaching reforms aimed at modernizing and westernizing Russia.

Throughout the book, Massie paints a vivid picture of the historical and cultural context in which Peter lived, exploring the political, social, and economic forces that shaped his reign and the broader course of Russian history. The book also provides insights into Peter’s personal life, including his relationships with his family, his love of travel and exploration, and his struggles with illness and addiction.

Overall, “Peter the Great: His Life and World” is a detailed and engaging biography that offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of one of the most important figures in Russian history. It is a well-researched and well-written book that offers a balanced and nuanced portrait of its subject, and is widely regarded as one of the definitive biographies of Peter the Great.