Court life is Massie’s strong suit, though, which he develops with a well-referenced thoroughness that begins with Catherine’s own account ( The Memoirs of Catherine the Great, Mark Cruse, ed., 2005) of surviving palace politics as consort to the eccentric and disliked crown prince, Paul. And those fascinated by the intimate intrigues of dynasties will find an extraordinary example in Catherine’s ascent from minor German princess to absolute autocrat of Russia. Those interested in the expansion and development of the Russian Empire under her reign (1762–96) can delve into her conduct of war and diplomacy, cultivation of Enlightenment notables, and attempted reforms of law and government. She appeals to readers for several reasons. The popularity of Massie’s biographies of Russian czars presages a comparable reception for his presentation of Sophia of Anhalt-Zerbst, as Catherine the Great was originally named.
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