Book 19: Catherine the Great

I can't help but call this book Екатерина Великая in my head.



I really enjoyed it. There were all kinds of details and facts that I hadn't known before. I feel like I have a much clearer picture of both Europe and Russia during the 18th century. I can also see why so many of the iconic Russian authors wrote in the 19th century: the work of Catherine the Great prepared the way for them.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was the inclusion of many excerpts from her letters, both personal and professional. Robert J. Massie's writing is superb, too.