Catherine the Great : portrait of a woman

**�[A] tale of power, perseverance and passion . . . a great story in the hands of a master storyteller.��\*The Wall Street Journal**The Pulitzer Prize�winning author of Peter the Great, Nicholas and Alexandra, and The Romanovs returns with another masterpiece of narrative biography, the extraordinary story of an obscure German princess who became one of the most remarkable, powerful, and captivating women in history. Born into a minor noble family, Catherine transformed herself into empress of Russia by sheer determination. For thirty-four years, the government, foreign policy, cultural development, and welfare of the Russian people were in her hands. She dealt with domestic rebellion, foreign wars, and the tidal wave of political change and violence churned up by the French Revolution. Catherine�s family, friends, ministers, generals, lovers, and enemies�all are here, vividly brought to life. History offers few stories richer than that of Catherine the Great. In this book, an eternally fascinating woman is returned to life.__�[A] compelling portrait not just of a Russian titan, but also of a flesh-and-blood woman.��\*Newsweek____�An absorbing, satisfying biography.��__Los Angeles Times**____�Juicy and suspenseful.��\*The New York Times Book Review____**__**�A great life, indeed, and irresistibly told.��Salon**NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY__The New York Times � The Washington Post � USA Today � The Boston Globe � San Francisco Chronicle � Chicago Tribune � Newsweek/__The Daily Beast__ __� Salon �__ Vogue __�__ St. Louis Post-Dispatch � The Providence Journal � Washington Examiner � __South Florida__ Sun-Sentinel � BookPage � __Bookreporter �__ Publishers Weekly__BONUS: This edition contains a__ Catherine the Great \*reader's guide.____ ____Amazon.com Review________**Amazon Best Books of the Month, November 2011**: Once upon a time, there was a minor German princess named Sophia. In 1744, at the age of 14, she was taken by her ambitious mother--removed from her family, her religion, and her country--to a foreign land with a single goal: marry a prince and bear him an heir. Once in Russia, she changed her name, learned the language, and went on to become the world's richest and most powerful woman, ruler of its then-largest empire. She is remembered as Catherine the Great.____ ____There may be no better author than Robert K. Massie to take on the daunting task of documenting this most rare of human lives. Massie, a former president of the Authors Guild, is a seasoned biographer of the 400-year Romanov dynasty, most notably with __Peter the Great: His Life and World__, which won a Pulitzer Prize in 1981 and remains one of the most arresting biographies I've even encountered.____ ____In his page-turning chronicle of Catherine II, Massie (now 82) compiles the most complete and compelling narrative to date of this singular woman. Married to an incompetent man-child who was unwilling or unable to help her fulfill her primary role--giving birth to a son--she ultimately grew to become a trailblazer among monarchs: friend of philosophical giants, incomparable patron of the arts, prosecutor of multiple wars, pioneer of public health, maker of kings, and prodigious serial lover.____ ____Indeed, her accomplishments and shortcomings as an autocrat and a woman make for a remarkable saga, but that's not to say that just any author could do justice to Catherine's lasting legacy. (Many have tried.) Massie situates Catherine's early life and three-decade reign as empress amidst the tumult of the European Enlightenment, enriching his own narrative with telling excerpts of her letters and rich discussions of her political environment and personal motivations.____ ____Put simply, Massie is just the man to take this endlessly fascinating life and craft an utterly memorable book. __Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman__ is a towering accomplishment, one of the year's best books in any genre. __--Jason Kirk______ ____Review__________PRAISE FOR CATHERINE THE GREAT______ ______**"Massie once again delivers** a masterful, intimate, and tantalizing portrait __of a majestic monarch."__�Publishers Weekly__, starred review________ ________"**[A] rich, nuanced examination** of Russia's lone female leader..."__�The Daily Beast__________ ________�What __Catherine the Great__ offers is **a great story in the hands of a master storyteller.**�__�The Wall Street Journal__�Dense and detailed, enriched by pages of full-color illustrations, **Massie�s latest will transport history lovers**.� __�People__________ ________�**What a woman, what a world, what a biography.**� __�USA Today__�**[Massie] hasn�t lost his mojo.** . . . a consistently nimble and buoyant performances . . . [Massie] has always been a biographer with the instincts of a novelist. He understands plot�fate�as a function of character, and the narrative perspective he establishes and maintains, a vision tightly aligned with that of his subject, convinces a reader he�s not so much looking at Catherine the Great as he is out of her eyes. . . **juicy and suspenseful.**� __�__ Kathryn Harrison, __The New York Times Book Review__________ ________�A **meticulously, dramatically rendered** biography�� __�O__, The Oprah Magazine�**What a Woman!**� __�Elle__ magazine�In __Catherine the Great__, Massie has created **a sensitive and compelling portrait not just of a Russian titan, but also of a flesh-and-blood woman**.�__�Newsweek__�[A] meticulously detailed work about Catherine and her world�**Massie makes Catherine�s story as gripping as that of any novel**. His book does full justice to a complex and fascinating woman and to the age in which she lived.� ...________ “[A] tale of power, perseverance and passion . . . a great story in the hands of a master storyteller.”—*The Wall Street Journal The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Peter the Great, Nicholas and Alexandra, and The Romanovs returns with another masterpiece of narrative biography, the extraordinary story of an obscure German princess who became one of the most remarkable, powerful, and captivating women in history. Born into a minor noble family, Catherine transformed herself into empress of Russia by sheer determination. For thirty-four years, the government, foreign policy, cultural development, and welfare of the Russian people were in her hands. She dealt with domestic rebellion, foreign wars, and the tidal wave of political change and violence churned up by the French Revolution. Catherine’s family, friends, ministers, generals, lovers, and enemies—all are here, vividly brought to life. History offers few stories richer than that of Catherine the Great. In this book, an eternally fascinating woman is returned to life. “[A] compelling portrait not just of a Russian titan, but also of a flesh-and-blood woman.”—*Newsweek “An absorbing, satisfying biography.”— Los Angeles Times “Juicy and suspenseful.”—*The New York Times Book Review “A great life, indeed, and irresistibly told.”—Salon NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times • The Washington Post • USA Today • The Boston Globe • San Francisco Chronicle • Chicago Tribune • Newsweek/ The Daily Beast • Salon • Vogue • St. Louis Post-Dispatch • The Providence Journal • Washington Examiner • South Florida Sun-Sentinel • BookPage • Bookreporter • Publishers Weekly BONUS: This edition contains a Catherine the Great *reader's guide. Amazon.com Review Amazon Best Books of the Month, November 2011 : Once upon a time, there was a minor German princess named Sophia. In 1744, at the age of 14, she was taken by her ambitious mother--removed from her family, her religion, and her country--to a foreign land with a single goal: marry a prince and bear him an heir. Once in Russia, she changed her name, learned the language, and went on to become the world's richest and most powerful woman, ruler of its then-largest empire. She is remembered as Catherine the Great. There may be no better author than Robert K. Massie to take on the daunting task of documenting this most rare of human lives. Massie, a former president of the Authors Guild, is a seasoned biographer of the 400-year Romanov dynasty, most notably with Peter the Great: His Life and World , which won a Pulitzer Prize in 1981 and remains one of the most arresting biographies I've even encountered. In his page-turning chronicle of Catherine II, Massie (now 82) compiles the most complete and compelling narrative to date of this singular woman. Married to an incompetent man-child who was unwilling or unable to help her fulfill her primary role--giving birth to a son--she ultimately grew to become a trailblazer among monarchs: friend of philosophical giants, incomparable patron of the arts, prosecutor of multiple wars, pioneer of public health, maker of kings, and prodigious serial lover. Indeed, her accomplishments and shortcomings as an autocrat and a woman make for a remarkable saga, but that's not to say that just any author could do justice to Catherine's lasting legacy. (Many have tried.) Massie situates Catherine's early life and three-decade reign as empress amidst the tumult of the European Enlightenment, enriching his own narrative with telling excerpts of her letters and rich discussions of her political environment and personal motivations. Put simply, Massie is just the man to take this endlessly fascinating life and craft an utterly memorable book. Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman is a towering accomplishment, one of the year's best books in any genre. --Jason Kirk Review PRAISE FOR CATHERINE THE GREAT "Massie once again delivers a masterful, intimate, and tantalizing portrait of a majestic monarch." —Publishers Weekly , starred review " [A] rich, nuanced examination of Russia's lone female leader..." —The Daily Beast “What Catherine the Great offers is a great story in the hands of a master storyteller. ” —The Wall Street Journal “Dense and detailed, enriched by pages of full-color illustrations, Massie’s latest will transport history lovers .” —People “ What a woman, what a world, what a biography. ” —USA Today “ [Massie] hasn’t lost his mojo. . . . a consistently nimble and buoyant performances . . . [Massie] has always been a biographer with the instincts of a novelist. He understands plot—fate—as a function of character, and the narrative perspective he establishes and maintains, a vision tightly aligned with that of his subject, convinces a reader he’s not so much looking at Catherine the Great as he is out of her eyes. . . juicy and suspenseful. ” — Kathryn Harrison, The New York Times Book Review “A meticulously, dramatically rendered biography...” —O , The Oprah Magazine “ What a Woman! ” —Elle magazine “In Catherine the Great , Massie has created a sensitive and compelling portrait not just of a Russian titan, but also of a flesh-and-blood woman .” —Newsweek “[A] meticulously detailed work about Catherine and her world... Massie makes Catherine’s story as gripping as that of any novel . His book does full justice to a complex and fascinating woman and to the age in which she lived.” ... Non-Fiction The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Peter the Great, Nicholas and Alexandra, and The Romanovs returns with another masterpiece of narrative biography, the extraordinary story of an obscure young German princess who traveled to Russia at fourteen and rose to become one of the most remarkable, powerful, and captivating women in history. Born into a minor noble family, Catherine transformed herself into Empress of Russia by sheer determination. Possessing a brilliant mind and an insatiable curiosity as a young woman, she devoured the works of Enlightenment philosophers and, when she reached the throne, attempted to use their principles to guide her rule of the vast and backward Russian empire. She knew or corresponded with the preeminent historical figures of her time: Voltaire, Diderot, Frederick the Great, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, Marie Antoinette, and, surprisingly, the American naval hero, John Paul Jones. Reaching the throne fired by Enlightenment philosophy and determined to become the embodiment of the "benevolent despot" idealized by Montesquieu, she found herself always contending with the deeply ingrained realities of Russian life, including serfdom. She persevered, and for thirty-four years the government, foreign policy, cultural development, and welfare of the Russian people were in her hands. She dealt with domestic rebellion, foreign wars, and the tidal wave of political change and violence churned up by the French Revolution that swept across Europe. Her reputation depended entirely on the perspective of the speaker. She was praised by Voltaire as the equal of the greatest of classical philosophers; she was condemned by her enemies, mostly foreign, as "the Messalina of the north." Catherine's family, friends, ministers, generals, lovers, and enemies -- all are here, vividly described. These included her ambitious, perpetually scheming mother; her weak, bullying husband, Peter (who left her lying untouched beside him for nine years after their marriage); her unhappy son and heir, Paul; her beloved grandchildren; and her "favorites" -- the parade of young men from whom she sought companionship and the recapture of youth as well as sex. Here, too, is the giant figure of Gregory Potemkin, her most significant lover and possible husband, with whom she shared a passionate correspondence of love and separation, followed by seventeen years of unparalleled mutual achievement. The story is superbly told. All the special qualities that Robert K. Massie brought to Nicholas and Alexandra and Peter the Great are present here: historical accuracy, depth of understanding, felicity of style, mastery of detail, ability to shatter myth, and a rare genius for finding and expressing the human drama in extraordinary lives. History offers few stories richer in drama than that of Catherine the Great. In this book, this eternally fascinating woman is returned to life. - Publisher. This narrative biography tells the extraordinary story of an obscure young German princess who traveled to Russia at fourteen and rose to become one of the most remarkable, powerful, and captivating women in history. Born into a minor noble family, Catherine transformed herself into Empress of Russia by sheer determination. Possessing a brilliant mind and an insatiable curiosity as a young woman, she devoured the works of Enlightenment philosophers and, when she reached the throne, attempted to use their principles to guide her rule of the vast and backward Russian empire. She knew or corresponded with the preeminent historical figures of her time: Voltaire, Diderot, Frederick the Great, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, Marie Antoinette, and, surprisingly, the American naval hero, John Paul Jones. Reaching the throne fired by Enlightenment philosophy and determined to become the embodiment of the "benevolent despot" idealized by Montesquieu, she found herself always contending with the deeply ingrained realities of Russian life, including serfdom. She persevered, and for thirty-four years the government, foreign policy, cultural development, and welfare of the Russian people were in her hands. She dealt with domestic rebellion, foreign wars, and the tidal wave of political change and violence churned up by the French Revolution that swept across Europe. Her reputation depended entirely on the perspective of the speaker. She was praised by Voltaire as the equal of the greatest of classical philosophers; she was condemned by her enemies, mostly foreign, as "the Messalina of the north." Catherine's family, friends, ministers, generals, lovers, and enemies, all are here, vividly described. These included her ambitious, perpetually scheming mother; her weak, bullying husband, Peter (who left her lying untouched beside him for nine years after their marriage); her unhappy son and heir, Paul; her beloved grandchildren; and her "favorites", the parade of young men from whom she sought companionship and the recapture of youth as well as sex. Here, too, is the giant figure of Gregory Potemkin, her most significant lover and possible husband, with whom she shared a passionate correspondence of love and separation, followed by seventeen years of unparalleled mutual achievement Part 1 : A German princess. Sophia's childhood Summoned to Russia Frederick II and the journey to Russia Empress Elizabeth The making of a grand duke Meeting Elizabeth and Peter Pneumonia Intercepted letters Conversion and betrothal A pilgrimage to Kiev and transvestite balls Smallpox Marriage Johanna goes home Part 2 : A painful marriage. The Zhukova affair Peepholes A watchdog He was not a king In the bedroom A house collapses Summer pleasures Dismissals at court Moscow and the country Choglokov makes an enemy and Peter survives a plot A bath before Easter and a coachman's whip Oysters and an actor Reading, dancing, and a betrayal Part 3 : Seduction, motherhood, and confrontation. Saltykov The birth of the heir Retaliation The English ambassador A diplomatic earthquake Poniatowski A dead rat, an absent lover, and a risky proposal Catherine challenges Brockdorff; she gives a party Apraskin's retreat Catherine's daughter The fall of Bestuzhev A gamble Confrontation A menage a quatre Part 4 : The time has come! Panin, Orlov, and Elizabeth's death The brief reign of Peter III Dura! We ourselves know not what we did Part 5 : Empress of Russia. Coronation The government and the church Serfdom Madame Orlov could never be Empress of Russia The death of Ivan VI Catherine and the Enlightenment The Nakaz All free estates of the realm The king we have made The first partition of Poland and the first Turkish War Doctors, smallpox, and plague The return of Peter the Third The last days of the Marquis de Pugachev Part 6 : Potemkin and favoritism. Vasilchikov Catherine and Potemkin : Passion Potemkin ascending Catherine and Potemkin : separation New relationships Favorites Part 7 : My name is Catherine the Second. Catherine, Paul, and Natalia Paul, Maria, and the succession Potemkin : builder and diplomat Crimean journey and Potemkin villages The Second Turkish War and the death of Potemkin Art, architecture, and the bronze horseman They are capable of hanging their king from a lamppost! Dissent in Russia, final partition of Poland Twilight The death of Catherine the Great

“[A] tale of power, perseverance and passion . . . a great story in the hands of a master storyteller.”—The Wall Street Journal
 
The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Peter the Great, Nicholas and Alexandra, and The Romanovs returns with another masterpiece of narrative biography, the extraordinary story of an obscure German princess who became one of the most remarkable, powerful, and captivating women in history. Born into a minor noble family, Catherine transformed herself into empress of Russia by sheer determination. For thirty-four years, the government, foreign policy, cultural development, and welfare of the Russian people were in her hands. She dealt with domestic rebellion, foreign wars, and the tidal wave of political change and violence churned up by the French Revolution. Catherine’s family, friends, ministers, generals, lovers, and enemies—all are here, vividly brought to life. History offers few stories richer than that of Catherine the Great. In this book, an eternally fascinating woman is returned to life.
 
“[A] compelling portrait not just of a Russian titan, but also of a flesh-and-blood woman.”—Newsweek
 
“An absorbing, satisfying biography.”—Los Angeles Times
 
“Juicy and suspenseful.”—The New York Times Book Review
 
“A great life, indeed, and irresistibly told.”—Salon
 
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY
The New York Times • The Washington Post • USA Today • The Boston Globe • San Francisco Chronicle • Chicago Tribune • Newsweek/The Daily Beast • Salon • Vogue • St. Louis Post-Dispatch • The Providence Journal • Washington Examiner • South Florida Sun-Sentinel • BookPage • Bookreporter • Publishers Weekly

Winner of the 2012 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction
Winner of the 2012 PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award for Biography

“[A] tale of power, perseverance and passion . . . a great story in the hands of a master storyteller.”— The Wall Street Journal The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Peter the Great, Nicholas and Alexandra, and The Romanovs returns with another masterpiece of narrative biography, the extraordinary story of an obscure German princess who became one of the most remarkable, powerful, and captivating women in history. Born into a minor noble family, Catherine transformed herself into empress of Russia by sheer determination. For thirty-four years, the government, foreign policy, cultural development, and welfare of the Russian people were in her hands. She dealt with domestic rebellion, foreign wars, and the tidal wave of political change and violence churned up by the French Revolution. Catherine’s family, friends, ministers, generals, lovers, and enemies—all are here, vividly brought to life. History offers few stories richer than that of Catherine the Great. In this book, an eternally fascinating woman is returned to life. “[A] compelling portrait not just of a Russian titan, but also of a flesh-and-blood woman.”— Newsweek “An absorbing, satisfying biography.”— Los Angeles Times “Juicy and suspenseful.”— The New York Times Book Review “A great life, indeed, and irresistibly told.”—Salon NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times • The Washington Post • USA Today • The Boston Globe • San Francisco Chronicle • Chicago Tribune • Newsweek/ The Daily Beast • Salon • Vogue • St. Louis Post-Dispatch • The Providence Journal • Washington Examiner • South Florida Sun-Sentinel • BookPage • Bookreporter • Publishers Weekly BONUS: This edition contains a Catherine the Great reader's guide. [A] tale of power, perseverance and passion . . . a great story in the hands of a master storyteller. The Wall Street Journal The Pulitzer Prizewinning author of Peter the Great, Nicholas and Alexandra, and The Romanovs returns with another masterpiece of narrative biography, the extraordinary story of an obscure German princess who became one of the most remarkable, powerful, and captivating women in history. Born into a minor noble family, Catherine transformed herself into empress of Russia by sheer determination. For thirty-four years, the government, foreign policy, cultural development, and welfare of the Russian people were in her hands. She dealt with domestic rebellion, foreign wars, and the tidal wave of political change and violence churned up by the French Revolution. Catherines family, friends, ministers, generals, lovers, and enemiesall are here, vividly brought to life. History offers few stories richer than that of Catherine the Great. In this book, an eternally fascinating woman is returned to life. #160; [A] compelling portrait not just of a Russian titan, but also of a flesh-and-blood woman. Newsweek An absorbing, satisfying biography. Los Angeles Times #160; Juicy and suspenseful. The New York Times Book Review A great life, indeed, and irresistibly told.Salon NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times The Washington Post USA Today The Boston Globe San Francisco Chronicle Chicago Tribune Newsweek/ The Daily Beast Salon Vogue St. Louis Post-Dispatch The Providence Journal Washington Examiner South Florida Sun-Sentinel BookPage Bookreporter Publishers Weekly BONUS: This edition contains a Catherine the Great reader's guide