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![]() This book could also serve as a great way to understand why this era was so prone to revolutionary uprisings. Massie paints a sympathetic portrait of Catherine, taking us through her loveless upbringing loveless (and sexless) marriage to the heir of Empress Elizabeth, Peter III, who had also grown up without love and who spent all his time – even as an adult! – playing with toy soldiers her efforts at self-education her friends, associates, lovers, and political liaisons. ![]() He died five years before Catherine’s own death. Her leadership was enhanced later in her regime by a collaboration with her long-time lover and partner, Gregory Potemkin, who masterfully helped her shape the Empire. She never waivered however, in her belief that absolute monarchy was the most fitting way to govern Russia. ![]() She turned from liberal to conservative to reactionary over time (and as the revolution in France put her in fear of her own position as monarch) but nevertheless left a great legacy to Russia, including the acquisition of a Black Sea port, the importation of European philosophy, literature, art, medicine, education, and at least an introduction to the idea of eventual political reform. ![]() There is never a dull moment in this outstanding biography of Russia’s Catherine the Great, who ruled Russia for 34 years, from 1762 until her death in 1796. ![]()
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