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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
Robert K. Massie won my heart with his book about Catherine the Great, so I definitely had to read the one about Peter as well. I cannot believe that I postponed it for so long. This will be one of the best books I've read this year. Massie writes in a clear and concise manner, spicing up the story with ample details which nonetheless never burden the line of narration. The book is perfectly suited both for serious history students as well as those of us who simply enjoy reading history. Indeed this huge tome was so well written, compelling, suspenseful and dramatic at certain points, that it reads like a real page turner.
What I mostly enjoyed in the book was the fact that not only was Peter's portrayal as true and extensive as possible, but also that the author took great care to represent the bigger picture, including extended depictions of many other major - and minor - players of the era, both in Europe and in Russia. We really do get to learn all about Peter's world, from the life of the average Russian peasant to the role of the Holy Roman Empire in European politics. Massie has the amazing ability to handle the intertwined paths of European diplomacy with stunning balance and evenhandedness. He neither turns his protagonists into saints, nor fails to find the deeper reasons underneath seemingly irrational behaviors. The description of Peter's relationship with his son and heir Alexis was blood chilling, and I had to admire the author's decisiveness to not take parts in a very messed-up situation.
"Peter has been idealized, condemned, analyzed again and again, and still ... he remains essentially mysterious. One quality which no one disputes however is his phenomenal energy. He was a force of nature, and perhaps for this reason no final judgment will ever be delivered."
And while no final judgment may exist, this exquisite book will be a true treasure for all those who wish to learn more about Peter and his world.
What I mostly enjoyed in the book was the fact that not only was Peter's portrayal as true and extensive as possible, but also that the author took great care to represent the bigger picture, including extended depictions of many other major - and minor - players of the era, both in Europe and in Russia. We really do get to learn all about Peter's world, from the life of the average Russian peasant to the role of the Holy Roman Empire in European politics. Massie has the amazing ability to handle the intertwined paths of European diplomacy with stunning balance and evenhandedness. He neither turns his protagonists into saints, nor fails to find the deeper reasons underneath seemingly irrational behaviors. The description of Peter's relationship with his son and heir Alexis was blood chilling, and I had to admire the author's decisiveness to not take parts in a very messed-up situation.
"Peter has been idealized, condemned, analyzed again and again, and still ... he remains essentially mysterious. One quality which no one disputes however is his phenomenal energy. He was a force of nature, and perhaps for this reason no final judgment will ever be delivered."
And while no final judgment may exist, this exquisite book will be a true treasure for all those who wish to learn more about Peter and his world.
Absolutely sublime. An amazing portrait of one of modern history's most seminal visionaries. A view into the complex personality of an autocrat forcing his people to leave the medieval world, coalesce as a nation and become a player on the world stage. Peter was superhuman in his energy and breadth of interests and all too human in his grievances and struggles with his temper and a physical condition which caused him to have mini-seizures throughout his life. His was a constant trial to balance personal needs and loyalties with his ordained responsibility to his country; between empathy and compassion and the despotism of the autocrat; between husband and father and emperor. He was ruthless and tolerant, open minded and didactic, endlessly curious and certain of his authority. Brilliant man, brilliant book.
44+ hrs/900+ pages. Long and detailed account of part of the world and time I have very little to no knowledge about. I appreciated Massie covering not just Peter the Great, but other major leaders of the time with whom he came in contact through treaties and/or wars.
So fascinating to see how he valued meritocracy in 17th/18th century, against the grain of tiered feudal society common in those days.
I could have done less with details of battles, but nonetheless learned so much. Glad to have gotten through it.
Funny to think that I was interested in learning this because of a fantasy book by Katherine Arden. I love how fiction can expand our view and curiosity.
So fascinating to see how he valued meritocracy in 17th/18th century, against the grain of tiered feudal society common in those days.
I could have done less with details of battles, but nonetheless learned so much. Glad to have gotten through it.
Funny to think that I was interested in learning this because of a fantasy book by Katherine Arden. I love how fiction can expand our view and curiosity.
A fantastic read, a page turner for 845 pages. Brilliantly written.
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Dont be put off by how long ago this book was published, and waste time looking for a more recent account. This detailed and exhaustively researched boom is still the definitive biography of Peter the Great. Massie pulls no punches in examining the good, bad and the ugly of Peter's reign, but ultimately asks us to respect this man of far-reaching vision and endless energy who dragged Russia out of the middle ages and into the midern world.
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
FIRST LINE REVIEW: "Around Moscow, the country rolls gently up from the rivers winding in silvery loops across the pleasant landscape." And around Russia, throughout this massive and amazing biography, rolls Peter the Great and his love of both Russia and the waters that loop through and around it. Told with rich detail, loving attention and great clarity, the Russian expert, Massie, continues to amaze me.
informative
slow-paced
A very complete biography that utilizes detailed tangents to form a complete picture of the world Peter the Great inhabited.