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Katharina die Grofse: Eine deutsche Prinzessin auf dem Zarenthron
Libro usado en buenas condiciones, por su antiguedad podria contener señales normales de uso
Pocket Book
First published January 1, 1994
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About the author
Carolly Erickson
32 books708 followersDistinguished historian Carolly Erickson is the author of The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette, The First Elizabeth, Great Catherine, Alexandra and many other prize-winning works of fiction and nonfiction. She lives in Hawaii.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/caroll...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/caroll...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
April 14, 2010
I enjoyed this book a lot, but I have to admit that the author seemed to grow bored with the subject matter by the end, which meant that I did, too. The first half I could barely put down; it really is fascinating how the rather unremarkable (that is to say, precocious, but not pretty) Princess Sophie of Germany managed to rise to become the Empress of Russia. But once she finally came into power, it seemed like the best of the story was over, and while she was a good ruler, I didn't feel she was actually "great" and in many ways her life was really quite sad. The last few pages I felt like the author was crawling across the finish line, glad to be done with it all. I would have preferred a little more triumph, or perhaps a summary of where Catherine the Great stands in history from today's perspective. Something more, at least.
One last note-- I was disappointed that there were no footnotes at all. Erickson relied on plenty of quotes from letters and Catherine's own memoirs, but without any references as to where these quotes actually came from I had a hard time taking this as seriously as it perhaps deserves. Maybe I'm just a snob here, but I want footnotes!!!
One last note-- I was disappointed that there were no footnotes at all. Erickson relied on plenty of quotes from letters and Catherine's own memoirs, but without any references as to where these quotes actually came from I had a hard time taking this as seriously as it perhaps deserves. Maybe I'm just a snob here, but I want footnotes!!!
February 23, 2015
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2010
Largely a very interesting book, I found it a little heavy on the details of Catherine's life during the early years of her marriage and very light on details when it came to her actual years of reign. I thought this was a shame not because her early years were boring, but because I would have liked to have learned more about why she earned the title "great." As it was described by the author, it didn't seem like she did much to deserve the nickname.
Still, all-in-all an enjoyable read with easy, accessible language.
Still, all-in-all an enjoyable read with easy, accessible language.
September 14, 2023
It's an awesome book! I am really impressed with how the author led us through the life of Catherine the Great, allowing us to almost know her on a more personal level. I will continue to read books by this author.
March 8, 2025
I could read a story about paint drying if it were written by Erickson.
January 19, 2022
Lightweight romantic biography. Court politics with little historical background.
August 6, 2018
Sofia di Anhalt-Zerbst, nacque nel 1729 nella spenta Stettino, figlia del nobile e severo soldato prussiano Cristiano Augusto di Anhalt-Zerbst , che che lei amò molto, e della spumeggiante e frivola Giovanna di Holstein-Gottorp, la quale dovette sposare il cugino del piccolo principe di Anhalt-Zerbst più grande di lei di 22 anni, pur essendo la nipote del re di Danimarca. Per delle questioni dinastiche i figli di Cristiano e Giovanna, sarebbero diventati i futuri principi di Anhalt- Zerbst. Così l'obbiettivo di Giovanna fu quello di dare un figlio maschio e sano al marito. Ma invece per prima nacque una bambina, Sofia, che per il suo sesso, sarà sempre disprezzata dalla madre…
E in effetti Caterina, così ribattezzata dall’impetuosa, stizzosa, a tratti crudele imperatrice Elisabetta I non ebbe una vita facile, tutt’altro!
La madre era invidiosa della sua vitalità, intelligenza, curiosità e sana costituzione che mancava al malaticcio fratello e mortificava sempre la sua esuberanza, anche intellettuale, tarpandole le ali.
Qualcosa cambiò quando a 16 anni Sofia, nonostante il suo basso rango, venne data in sposa a Carlo Pietro Ulrico di Holstein Gottorp, nominato da poco erede di Russia dalla zia, la zarina Elisabetta, donna volubile, discutibile, autoritaria, possessiva, stravagante, crudele ma che sulle prime parve prendere in simpatia la giovane Sofia che proprio da lei ricevette il nome di Caterina.
Furono anni da incubo per la giovane futura zarina. Il matrimonio non fu mai consumato, il marito oltretutto era violento, pazzoide, un debole. Tutto ciò che ci si aspettava da lei era un erede che per ovvi motivi non venne e, a quel punto, si pensò ad un amante, il primo di una lunga serie, quel Sergej Saltynkov padre del futuro erede al trono Paolo I (tra i più “significativi” il bellissimo Grigorij Orlov, che tanto determinante fu nella sua ascesa al trono, aiutandola a spodestare lo squilibrato marito, e il non certo affascinante ma carismatico Potëmkin che addirittura, pare, sposò segretamente e che, per molti anni, fu il suo braccio destro).
Ma Caterina fu a tutt’altro che una donna leggera e frivola, fu solo costantemente alla ricerca di un amore che potesse sostenerla, farla stare bene, consigliarla. Era molto intelligente, sobria, aveva un’opinione estremamente ottimistica della natura umana, non amava essere adulata ma comunque era orgogliosa del suo ruolo che cercò sempre di svolgere al meglio delle sue possibilità, mettendo al primo posto l’amore e il benessere del suo popolo. Fu una grande riformista, ammirava i filosofi illuministi francesi come Voltaire, Diderot, Montesquieu che conobbe personalmente. Fece tantissimo per rimodernare il Paese ma spesso si scontrò con un monolite fatto di ignoranza, superstizioni, ristrettezza intellettuale, lassismo, corruzione…
Riportò grandi vittorie ma anche cocenti sconfitte. Ma andò sempre avanti, con tanto coraggio e determinazione, tra mille paure, minacce, accuse, grandi dolori...
E in effetti Caterina, così ribattezzata dall’impetuosa, stizzosa, a tratti crudele imperatrice Elisabetta I non ebbe una vita facile, tutt’altro!
La madre era invidiosa della sua vitalità, intelligenza, curiosità e sana costituzione che mancava al malaticcio fratello e mortificava sempre la sua esuberanza, anche intellettuale, tarpandole le ali.
Qualcosa cambiò quando a 16 anni Sofia, nonostante il suo basso rango, venne data in sposa a Carlo Pietro Ulrico di Holstein Gottorp, nominato da poco erede di Russia dalla zia, la zarina Elisabetta, donna volubile, discutibile, autoritaria, possessiva, stravagante, crudele ma che sulle prime parve prendere in simpatia la giovane Sofia che proprio da lei ricevette il nome di Caterina.
Furono anni da incubo per la giovane futura zarina. Il matrimonio non fu mai consumato, il marito oltretutto era violento, pazzoide, un debole. Tutto ciò che ci si aspettava da lei era un erede che per ovvi motivi non venne e, a quel punto, si pensò ad un amante, il primo di una lunga serie, quel Sergej Saltynkov padre del futuro erede al trono Paolo I (tra i più “significativi” il bellissimo Grigorij Orlov, che tanto determinante fu nella sua ascesa al trono, aiutandola a spodestare lo squilibrato marito, e il non certo affascinante ma carismatico Potëmkin che addirittura, pare, sposò segretamente e che, per molti anni, fu il suo braccio destro).
Ma Caterina fu a tutt’altro che una donna leggera e frivola, fu solo costantemente alla ricerca di un amore che potesse sostenerla, farla stare bene, consigliarla. Era molto intelligente, sobria, aveva un’opinione estremamente ottimistica della natura umana, non amava essere adulata ma comunque era orgogliosa del suo ruolo che cercò sempre di svolgere al meglio delle sue possibilità, mettendo al primo posto l’amore e il benessere del suo popolo. Fu una grande riformista, ammirava i filosofi illuministi francesi come Voltaire, Diderot, Montesquieu che conobbe personalmente. Fece tantissimo per rimodernare il Paese ma spesso si scontrò con un monolite fatto di ignoranza, superstizioni, ristrettezza intellettuale, lassismo, corruzione…
Riportò grandi vittorie ma anche cocenti sconfitte. Ma andò sempre avanti, con tanto coraggio e determinazione, tra mille paure, minacce, accuse, grandi dolori...
October 4, 2025
Catherine the Great was one of Russia’s most famous rulers. She was originally a German princess. She married Grand Duke Peter of Russia. When her husband Peter III ascended the Russian throne, Catherine realized that she could not trust him. Instead, Peter III planned to remove her as Empress and put his own mistress on the throne. Empress Catherine launched a coup d’etat against her husband and became the sovereign ruler of Russia. This biography shows her accomplishments and personal relationships.
Catherine the Great was truly an intelligent ruler. She had a love for learning. She was inspired by Montesquieu and Diderot. She had many ideas to reform Russia. She was also into war and helped bring Russia to her own glory. I admired her patience as she endured her unhappy marriage to Peter III. In her early years, she felt alienated and did not have much comfort. Instead, Catherine the Great was a princess who spent her whole life seeking love, mostly from men. When she became empress, she had many male favorites, and led an immoral court. Thus, this biography shows her flaws as well as Catherine’s strengths.
Overall, this was a very balanced biography of Catherine the Great. It does a decent job in showing Catherine’s personal life as well as the accomplishments in her reign. She was a patron of the arts and literature. She wanted to become the model of an Enlightened ruler. She created schools and hospitals. The only thing that I did not like about this book was that it was not as detailed as Robert K. Massie’s biography of Catherine the Great! Nevertheless, it was still a very engaging read! I came away from this book having more of an admiration and respect for Catherine the Great! I recommend this book for fans of Antonia Fraser, Leonie Frieda, and Helen Rappaport!
Catherine the Great was truly an intelligent ruler. She had a love for learning. She was inspired by Montesquieu and Diderot. She had many ideas to reform Russia. She was also into war and helped bring Russia to her own glory. I admired her patience as she endured her unhappy marriage to Peter III. In her early years, she felt alienated and did not have much comfort. Instead, Catherine the Great was a princess who spent her whole life seeking love, mostly from men. When she became empress, she had many male favorites, and led an immoral court. Thus, this biography shows her flaws as well as Catherine’s strengths.
Overall, this was a very balanced biography of Catherine the Great. It does a decent job in showing Catherine’s personal life as well as the accomplishments in her reign. She was a patron of the arts and literature. She wanted to become the model of an Enlightened ruler. She created schools and hospitals. The only thing that I did not like about this book was that it was not as detailed as Robert K. Massie’s biography of Catherine the Great! Nevertheless, it was still a very engaging read! I came away from this book having more of an admiration and respect for Catherine the Great! I recommend this book for fans of Antonia Fraser, Leonie Frieda, and Helen Rappaport!
November 28, 2023
Che donna! Che biografia meravigliosa!
Questo libro è qualcosa di stupendo, la corte russa è riportata in maniera viva e brillante, viene analizzata insieme a tutto cioè che la riguarda per far capire a tutto tondo la situazione della Russia nel 1700, ogni sua sfaccettatura è presente in queste pagine che scorrono sotto gli occhi del lettore con leggerezza e trasporto.
Ho adorato ogni capitolo e qualsiasi sfumatura di Caterina.
Facilitata dagli scritti di pugno della zarina e dai rapporti degli ambasciatori, l’autrice riesce ad estrapolare il carattere di questa meravigliosa donna che ha portato in alto il nome di una potenza europea rimasta nell’ombra per troppo tempo.
Sono rimasta affascinata e coinvolta in ogni singola pagina di questo meraviglioso libro, che attualmente rientra tra i miei preferiti di questa autrice.
Lo stile è sempre suggestivo, riesce a mettere in scena i fatti come se fossero le sequenze di un romanzo. Si divora con facilità parola dopo parola, la figura della zarina emerge viva dalla carta, i suoi pensieri vengono riportati e resi indelebili nella memoria del lettore!
Cate, ti perdono tutti i tuoi amori, anche i più insensati, per la grande donna che sei stata!
Questo libro è qualcosa di stupendo, la corte russa è riportata in maniera viva e brillante, viene analizzata insieme a tutto cioè che la riguarda per far capire a tutto tondo la situazione della Russia nel 1700, ogni sua sfaccettatura è presente in queste pagine che scorrono sotto gli occhi del lettore con leggerezza e trasporto.
Ho adorato ogni capitolo e qualsiasi sfumatura di Caterina.
Facilitata dagli scritti di pugno della zarina e dai rapporti degli ambasciatori, l’autrice riesce ad estrapolare il carattere di questa meravigliosa donna che ha portato in alto il nome di una potenza europea rimasta nell’ombra per troppo tempo.
Sono rimasta affascinata e coinvolta in ogni singola pagina di questo meraviglioso libro, che attualmente rientra tra i miei preferiti di questa autrice.
Lo stile è sempre suggestivo, riesce a mettere in scena i fatti come se fossero le sequenze di un romanzo. Si divora con facilità parola dopo parola, la figura della zarina emerge viva dalla carta, i suoi pensieri vengono riportati e resi indelebili nella memoria del lettore!
Cate, ti perdono tutti i tuoi amori, anche i più insensati, per la grande donna che sei stata!
July 29, 2022
This is a biography of a princess from a small German Kingdom who ended up ruling the Russian Empire. The ruling class was not sad when they found out Catherine's husband, Peter III died under suspicious circumstances for Catherine was smarter and more competent. This was a fascinating read. My only criticism is the author described the peasants derisively who participated in a peasant's revolt. I am not sure what they were revolting against in this one incident. There were other revolts that had to do with the high cost of food and others which were attempted power grabs. Still overall, Catherine was an intelligent, remarkable leader. She ruled in a time in which women, overall, were considered being inferior to men. This woman, however, was superior to her husband. This was a very good read.
November 13, 2021
A solid biography of Catherine and her court, focusing more on her earlier years. The majority of the book was dedicated to her early years at court, but I suspect that is what a lot of readers are more interested in!
January 12, 2025
Apparently she didn’t die from a horse falling on her. Another rumor put to rest.
April 8, 2018
Parola del mese (grande) - Marzo 2018.
"Una volta [l'imperatrice] aveva detto a Zavadovsky che il suo tempo apparteneva - non a lei, m all' impero. Non aveva alcun diritto di sprecare le ore per curare il suo aspetto: prima di tutto venivano le necessità dei sudditi."
Questa ottima biografia rende omaggio ad una figura di spicco nella vasta Russia, una donna erudita, caparbia, sensibile ma anche pratica e moderna che ha saputo prendere in mano le redini dell'impero russo e guidarlo verso un periodo florido di espansione ed affermazione in quanto potenza. Nata come principessa prussiana Sofia Augusta di Anhalt-Zerbst, venne definita negli anni Caterina II "la grande", scelta poco più che adolescente per andare in sposa a Pietro III, figlio della imperatrice Elisabetta.
La lettura scorre piacevolmente grazie ad un'esposizione chiara: i fatti sono esposti in maniera rigorosa ed accurata, senza però appesantire la struttura del saggio e sono sempre collocati contestualmente all'interno del panorama culturale, sociale e politico di quel tempo, con uno sguardo tanto alla Russia quanto al resto dell'Europa.
"Una volta [l'imperatrice] aveva detto a Zavadovsky che il suo tempo apparteneva - non a lei, m all' impero. Non aveva alcun diritto di sprecare le ore per curare il suo aspetto: prima di tutto venivano le necessità dei sudditi."
Questa ottima biografia rende omaggio ad una figura di spicco nella vasta Russia, una donna erudita, caparbia, sensibile ma anche pratica e moderna che ha saputo prendere in mano le redini dell'impero russo e guidarlo verso un periodo florido di espansione ed affermazione in quanto potenza. Nata come principessa prussiana Sofia Augusta di Anhalt-Zerbst, venne definita negli anni Caterina II "la grande", scelta poco più che adolescente per andare in sposa a Pietro III, figlio della imperatrice Elisabetta.
La lettura scorre piacevolmente grazie ad un'esposizione chiara: i fatti sono esposti in maniera rigorosa ed accurata, senza però appesantire la struttura del saggio e sono sempre collocati contestualmente all'interno del panorama culturale, sociale e politico di quel tempo, con uno sguardo tanto alla Russia quanto al resto dell'Europa.
December 28, 2007
What an awe-inspiring story. I knew nothing about Catherine when I picked up the book. While the storytelling can be about as juicy as drinking a glass of sand, the story itself compelled me forward. Admittedly, I've been reading a lot of historical fiction and the lack of dialog took getting used to. The author, whose excellent historical fiction work about Marie Antoinette was amazing, is a well-regarded historian and I found the book to be well sourced and credible.
August 1, 2012
I really liked it, especially up until she gets married. Should have been called "Young Catherine" because it's mostly all about the pre-Empress times, drawn from her early memoirs. Easy reading.
Love the cover of the book and even the special letters used for the title, hand-crafted by Dia Calhoun, a lettering artist."
Love the cover of the book and even the special letters used for the title, hand-crafted by Dia Calhoun, a lettering artist."
April 28, 2023
Not the best biography, not the worst
October 21, 2022
Yet another book I should have skimmed.
July 19, 2023
Born Princess Sophia of Anhalt-Zerbst, she was selected by the then Empress Elizabeth of Russia to marry her heir, her nephew who became Peter III of Russia. Her early years of marriage were difficult for the intelligent, young princess. Her marriage was not a success and was not consummated for years or perhaps ever due to his inability or lack of interest. Eventually, she turned to a lover in order to conceive a child that would become the heir to the Russian throne. Unlucky even in her love affairs, she was spurned by multiple lovers, although she did eventually have two sons who grew to adulthood. After the death of Elizabeth, Catherine's husband's reign was fairly disastrous until she eventually claimed the throne for herself. Peter was eventually murdered by Catherine's allies. Catherine's reign was filled with great achievement that raised the prestige of Russia. Despite her success as a ruler, she was vilified both at the time and throughout history as an immoral, lust-crazed nymphomaniac.
I loved the first half of this book that gives an account of Catherine's childhood and early years in Russia. I really got a sense of who she was and her experiences, which was aided by the inclusion of quotes from Catherine's memoirs. Despite the image painted of her in popular culture, she was a smart, attractive girl who was eager to please her parents. She was deeply devoted to her parents, especially her father. For such an innocent, eager to please young girl to be shackled to such a cruel and immature husband must have been a difficult cross to bear. That being said, what a bold move that she eventually chose to overthrow her husband, the rightful heir, and seize power for herself.
Like other reviews have mentioned, the first half of this biography was a more interesting read. I lost steam in the second half, as the focus became more on court politics and and international concerns and less with the person behind the throne. This is the first biography I have read about Catherine the Great so it is difficult for me to comment on the thoroughness or slant of this author's account, but I found it to be informative and enjoyed learning about Catherine the Great's life. However, the book did end very abruptly with her death and burial. I would have appreciated a brief overview of her children's paths after her death to conclude her tale.
I loved the first half of this book that gives an account of Catherine's childhood and early years in Russia. I really got a sense of who she was and her experiences, which was aided by the inclusion of quotes from Catherine's memoirs. Despite the image painted of her in popular culture, she was a smart, attractive girl who was eager to please her parents. She was deeply devoted to her parents, especially her father. For such an innocent, eager to please young girl to be shackled to such a cruel and immature husband must have been a difficult cross to bear. That being said, what a bold move that she eventually chose to overthrow her husband, the rightful heir, and seize power for herself.
Like other reviews have mentioned, the first half of this biography was a more interesting read. I lost steam in the second half, as the focus became more on court politics and and international concerns and less with the person behind the throne. This is the first biography I have read about Catherine the Great so it is difficult for me to comment on the thoroughness or slant of this author's account, but I found it to be informative and enjoyed learning about Catherine the Great's life. However, the book did end very abruptly with her death and burial. I would have appreciated a brief overview of her children's paths after her death to conclude her tale.
February 16, 2018
I really didn't know anything about Russian history beyond the names: Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Ivan the Terrible, etc. And this book, while flawed, was deeply fascinating. I loved learning about Catherine and life in Russia in the 1700s. The descriptions of the thousands of gowns of Catherine's predecessor, or how a whole road was built just for Empress Elizabeth to get oranges. It's crazy to think that neither Catherine or her (one-time) husband Peter III were Russian, but succession was just super weird that way.
The problems: The book can jump around at times and be hard to follow. In one page it says Catherine was grateful not to be pregnant; in the next page she's about to give birth. The book will mention one of the countless courtiers one time and then their name will reappear 100 pages later with little to no context. So you're flipping back to try to figure out "which was this one again?". While entertaining, there are also no footnotes, so it's hard to know what's historical fact and what the author might be embellishing.
But, all in all, I feel like I learned a lot and have a lot of new dinner party anecdotes. Can't wait to read Catherine the Great's actual memoirs now (she was pretty prolific about her early life).
P.S. I also learned a new word that seems to be a favorite of the author: perfidy. The more you know.
The problems: The book can jump around at times and be hard to follow. In one page it says Catherine was grateful not to be pregnant; in the next page she's about to give birth. The book will mention one of the countless courtiers one time and then their name will reappear 100 pages later with little to no context. So you're flipping back to try to figure out "which was this one again?". While entertaining, there are also no footnotes, so it's hard to know what's historical fact and what the author might be embellishing.
But, all in all, I feel like I learned a lot and have a lot of new dinner party anecdotes. Can't wait to read Catherine the Great's actual memoirs now (she was pretty prolific about her early life).
P.S. I also learned a new word that seems to be a favorite of the author: perfidy. The more you know.
January 3, 2020
È la prima volta che porto a termine la lettura di una biografia e devo ammettere che l’autrice è riuscita davvero a catturare la mia attenzione e a suscitare il mio interesse con la sua opera. L’attendibilità delle informazioni e l’accuratezza storica sono innegabili e garantite anche dai vari riferimenti agli scritti della stessa Caterina. Un difetto riscontrato nel libro è stata però la frequeste trascuratezza per quanto riguarda le date storiche: non viene fornita una chiara data di nascita della sovrana, che si può comunque intuire dai vari riferimanti alla sua età, nè viene specificata la data di morte che ci viene detto avviene il 6 novembre ma... di quale anno? La stessa cosa avviene per varie tappe importanti della vita e del regno dell’imperatrice.
Sono anche rimasta abbastanza delusa dal fatto che ad un certo punto l’autrice abbandoni completamente la figura di Potëmkin senza parlarci assolutamente della sua morte nè della reazione di Caterina ad essa, particolare che invece mi sarebbe piaciuto scoprire.
In generale è stata comunque una lettura alquanto piacevole che ha permesso di conoscere la vita di una grande sovrana e donna.
Sono anche rimasta abbastanza delusa dal fatto che ad un certo punto l’autrice abbandoni completamente la figura di Potëmkin senza parlarci assolutamente della sua morte nè della reazione di Caterina ad essa, particolare che invece mi sarebbe piaciuto scoprire.
In generale è stata comunque una lettura alquanto piacevole che ha permesso di conoscere la vita di una grande sovrana e donna.
April 4, 2019
As always Carolly Erickson provides a well written and convincing portrait in words of the person who is the subject of her history - in this case Catherine the Great of Russia. Catherine had the sort of life fantasy novels use as a background. She rose from being an obscure German princess with next to no prospects for marriage to eventually become empress in her own right of an empire. Not since the rise of Empress Theodora in old Byzantium had a consort risen so fast and high under her own qualities.
How do you fit a life like Catherine's into 381 pages? By leaving a lot out I'm afraid. Catherine's zest for building both buildings and art collections was only briefly brushed upon and this book does a much better job of covering her life while she was Grand Duchess than when she was Empress. Having said that this book is still a great introduction to her life if you haven't read much about her before (it's not my first book on the subject though it's been many years) and as always Erickson writes a very easy to digest book.
How do you fit a life like Catherine's into 381 pages? By leaving a lot out I'm afraid. Catherine's zest for building both buildings and art collections was only briefly brushed upon and this book does a much better job of covering her life while she was Grand Duchess than when she was Empress. Having said that this book is still a great introduction to her life if you haven't read much about her before (it's not my first book on the subject though it's been many years) and as always Erickson writes a very easy to digest book.
May 27, 2024
4 stars is a bit of an overstatement. I would probably rate it a 3,5 but thought that a 3 star review on Goodreads would be slightly unfair. All in all, I really enjoyed the book. Especially the first half. It does a great job of portraying Catherine's character and charisma as well as all the qualities that led to her going from a german princess to Empress of Russia. Unfortunately, the book reached its peek when Catherine came to power. After that, it got a bit slow and boring for me. It seemed like the author was lighter on the details of her life after she became Empress and didn't quite get to the point of why she became known as "the Great". It seemed like she was focusing more on details of her everyday life and her admitedly sad need for love and affection. All those things, while true, take away from the reasons why she is one of the amazing women who very much deserves her place in history.
December 1, 2017
Delve into Russia’s most important ruler’s life of Catherine the Great. Read first hand the twist and turns of her life. Discover her conflicts on her way to the throne. This book is better than any of the Game of Thrones books. When you read this book, you’ll agree too. Instead of reading about a fictional soap opera, you can read about a real-life one, as well learn about some history, and it will also further your understanding of the world. For example, if you read this book, you can have a better understanding of why the Russo-Turkish war happened. This book is also great because of its accuracy. For example, the book included first-hand accounts from Catherine the Great herself, as well as other first-hand accounts, which adds to the historical accuracy of the book. What are you waiting for?
December 18, 2017
I was interested in reading about Catherine since she played a role in my family's history. In the late 1700s early 1800s, Catherine invited Mennonites to come to the Ukraine to drain the swamps and retool the land into farming communities. In exchange, she offered religious freedom. This was a boon to the struggling, persecuted sect. After reading the book, I have to chuckle - the woman that "saved" my pios ancestors was, in reality, quite the nymphomaniac.
Though steeped in complex history, Erickson has successfully produced a very readable account. Some of the information is repetitive, but not to distraction. I was most impressed with the her task of governing such a large and diverse area. During those years, Russia was sparsely populated and polarized by warring factions. Communication was severly limited. So how did she get so much accomplished? Read and learn.
Though steeped in complex history, Erickson has successfully produced a very readable account. Some of the information is repetitive, but not to distraction. I was most impressed with the her task of governing such a large and diverse area. During those years, Russia was sparsely populated and polarized by warring factions. Communication was severly limited. So how did she get so much accomplished? Read and learn.
January 19, 2023
This is one of Carolly Ericson's nonfictions which is based on Catherine's memoir and correspondence. Catherine started to write her memoir, according to this audiobook, when she was 27, still a Grand Duchess to then Grand Duke Paul. She had just given birth to her first son, heir to the Russian throne, but her son was instantly taken to then Empress Elizabeth, left her lying desperately in bed without being taken care of. Moreover to that, the Empress decorated Catherine's bed chamber when she was receiving courtiers' congratulations, but stripped them all off right after the ceremony was done. It was then Cathrine began to cultivate her ambition to the great power so she would never have to look upon other people but other people had to look upon her.
June 26, 2019
1996 review
A very readable biography of Catherine the Great, which provides a much [needed] rehabilitated picture of an "exceptionally benevolent" ruler--counter to the monstrosity in accounts one usually hears. Prior to reading this, I had only the foggiest idea of her--and the idea makes sense --the title "the Great" is not bestowed lightly [at least not on women!]
It is evident that the author much admires her. Great emphasis is placed on Catherine's earlier years, before she becomes Empress, and the reason for this out to be the sources--Catherine wrote her memoirs seven times but always stopped [the narrative] before she became Empress.
A very readable biography of Catherine the Great, which provides a much [needed] rehabilitated picture of an "exceptionally benevolent" ruler--counter to the monstrosity in accounts one usually hears. Prior to reading this, I had only the foggiest idea of her--and the idea makes sense --the title "the Great" is not bestowed lightly [at least not on women!]
It is evident that the author much admires her. Great emphasis is placed on Catherine's earlier years, before she becomes Empress, and the reason for this out to be the sources--Catherine wrote her memoirs seven times but always stopped [the narrative] before she became Empress.
April 28, 2020
Sofia Federica Augusta principessa di Anhalt-Zerbst, principato tedesco, venne data in sposa all'erede al trono dell'Impero russo, il granduca e futuro Pietro III di Russia.
Nel 1762 con un colpo di Stato detronizzò il marito e salì al potere all'età di 33 anni.
Venne incoronata Caterina II di Russia, conosciuta principalmente con l'appellativo di Caterina la Grande.
Sotto il suo regno, l'Impero russo accrebbe la sua potenza e visse uno dei periodi di maggior riconoscimento a livello europeo.
Scegliere una lettura di questo genere mi permette di soddisfare la mia voglia di sapere, facendo sembrare il tutto come puro piacere e non "studio".
Trovi la recensione completa sul mio blog:
https://www.lemillepassionidipinella....
Nel 1762 con un colpo di Stato detronizzò il marito e salì al potere all'età di 33 anni.
Venne incoronata Caterina II di Russia, conosciuta principalmente con l'appellativo di Caterina la Grande.
Sotto il suo regno, l'Impero russo accrebbe la sua potenza e visse uno dei periodi di maggior riconoscimento a livello europeo.
Scegliere una lettura di questo genere mi permette di soddisfare la mia voglia di sapere, facendo sembrare il tutto come puro piacere e non "studio".
Trovi la recensione completa sul mio blog:
https://www.lemillepassionidipinella....
February 1, 2018
I thoroughly enjoy historical books, especially pre 20th century. I had very little previous knowledge of Catherine the Great. I think this book provides an encompassing look into her life. Carolly Erickson references Catherine's personal memoirs as well as those of others intermixed with a bit of personal speculation.
I would put her on level with Alison Weir in her ability to provide an enjoyable, insightful and informative listen/read.
Davina Porter, as always, put forth a wonderful narration. She is one of my favorites.
I would put her on level with Alison Weir in her ability to provide an enjoyable, insightful and informative listen/read.
Davina Porter, as always, put forth a wonderful narration. She is one of my favorites.
December 27, 2018
This book gave me some needed (?!) background on this Russian historical figure - my granddaughter had more general knowledge of Catherine than I did. But I would have appreciated more detail about the Russia of her time. The book focused on Catherine’s personal relationships. I found the “palace intrigues” interesting – but what a cold, cruel life she had to live (although undoubtedly better than the serfs). I would have liked this book to be more like “Peter the Great” by Robert Massie.
Postscript: I see that Massie wrote a book about Catherine as well. Something to read later.
Postscript: I see that Massie wrote a book about Catherine as well. Something to read later.
September 5, 2020
I enjoyed the book and it provided an interesting look at the life of Catherine the Great. Set in the backdrop of Russian history with other notable characters from history-making appearances. I don't know if the author was less interested at the end of Catherine's life or I was ready to be done with the book. Maybe the author was done before she finished and it left me as a reader being finished with the book before I reached the end.
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