Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. MassieMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Catherine started with ambition and intelligence. Fate and a scheming mother landed her a rather creepy husband, who was destined for the Russian throne. He preferred his dogs, so Catherine had lots of time to read and embrace the ideas of the Enlightenment. Eventually Empress Elizabeth died, as did Catherine's husband, and Russia toppled her way. From then on I needed a map as I read. I especially liked learning about Crimea. Catherine wrote and wrote, so there are lots of quotes. Robert Massie tells a smooth and sympathetic story of a magnificent life.(less)
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