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Catherine the Great
'THE MOST ACCESSIBLE AND ENJOYABLE PORTRAIT YET .' DAILY MAIL______________________________________________________Power, sex, and the fascinating rule of one of Russia's most significant monarchsCatherine the Great ruled Russia from 1762 until 1796. Famous for the legends circulated by political rivals about her sexual rapacity, some were true - though not the infamous rumour of her death by stallion. However, a conservative Russian court was shocked by her use of her sexuality as a political tool, as well as the number and age of her lovers.Unhappily married to the Grand Duke Peter, a man who preferred to play with his toy soldiers in the bedroom, they failed to produce an heir, and Catherine turned her attentions to a certain Sergey Saltykov who fathered the future Tsar Paul I. Six months into the reign of Peter III, Catherine, supported by the Imperial Guard, staged a successful coup against her husband and became Empress. It was her ambition to transform a vast but semi-barbaric country with the cultural and political reforms of Enlightenment Europe.In this fascinating biography, Virginia Rounding reveals an extraordinary woman in all her complexity.______________________________________________________'A great thumping triumph of a book.' DAILY TELEGRAPH'Rounding shows thatthe reality is far more interesting than any of the fictions .' SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY'An intimate study of Catherine's life' GUARDIAN'Enjoyable and perceptive study . . . Rounding has read widely, and writes history witha no-nonsense style and a respectful relish for the details that make the past come alive .' Simon Sebag Montefiore, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH'Rounding writes with enviable lucidity, and gives usthe most accessible and enjoyable portrait yet .' DAILY MAIL'Written with vigour and intelligence enough to do justice to its prodigious subject.' SUNDAY TIMES
592 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
212 people are currently reading
4963 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Rounding
14 books61 followersVirginia Rounding is an author, editor, proofreader and indexer, and a professional member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading. Her most recent book is The Burning Time, an investigation of the circumstances, motivations and deaths of the men and women burnt at the stake - and of those who set fire to them - in London in the mid-16th century.
Her previous book was a fresh examination of the lives of the last Emperor and Empress of Russia: Alix and Nicky: The Passion of the Last Tsar and Tsarina. A reviewer commented in the Washington Times: ‘she has brought them to life in flesh and blood perhaps better than any previous writer on the subject. This is partly a result of her skill in rooting out and quoting commentary on them by those who knew them well and put their impressions down in letters and diaries. But she has a knack for building on these insights with her own, and so has produced a more rounded portrait than we have ever had before.’
Virginia’s has also written a biography of the Empress Catherine II (Catherine the Great: Love, Sex and Power, 2006, described in the Daily Telegraph as ‘a thumping great triumph of a book’). This was preceded by a study of French courtesans (Grandes Horizontales, 2003, in the Independent as ‘impeccably researched, a flirt of a book, enjoyable and sexy’).
Virginia is also the joint author, with Martin Dudley, of a series of books on church administration, and has reviewed widely for a variety of newspapers and magazines, including the Daily Telegraph, FT Magazine, Independent, Daily Mail and Moscow Times. She currently lives in Birmingham.
She was Royal Literary Fund Fellow at The Courtauld Institute of Art from 2008 to 2011.
She was educated at Merchant Taylors’ School for Girls, Great Crosby, and at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University of London.
Her previous book was a fresh examination of the lives of the last Emperor and Empress of Russia: Alix and Nicky: The Passion of the Last Tsar and Tsarina. A reviewer commented in the Washington Times: ‘she has brought them to life in flesh and blood perhaps better than any previous writer on the subject. This is partly a result of her skill in rooting out and quoting commentary on them by those who knew them well and put their impressions down in letters and diaries. But she has a knack for building on these insights with her own, and so has produced a more rounded portrait than we have ever had before.’
Virginia’s has also written a biography of the Empress Catherine II (Catherine the Great: Love, Sex and Power, 2006, described in the Daily Telegraph as ‘a thumping great triumph of a book’). This was preceded by a study of French courtesans (Grandes Horizontales, 2003, in the Independent as ‘impeccably researched, a flirt of a book, enjoyable and sexy’).
Virginia is also the joint author, with Martin Dudley, of a series of books on church administration, and has reviewed widely for a variety of newspapers and magazines, including the Daily Telegraph, FT Magazine, Independent, Daily Mail and Moscow Times. She currently lives in Birmingham.
She was Royal Literary Fund Fellow at The Courtauld Institute of Art from 2008 to 2011.
She was educated at Merchant Taylors’ School for Girls, Great Crosby, and at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University of London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
November 19, 2011
This is an excellent all-rounded biography of Catherine the Great. Virginia Rounding does a great job in showing the many-faceted life of the Russian monarch. She is a compassionate biographer, but she does not shy from discussing Catherine's less savory features: her troubled relationship with her son, her compulsive need to control the lives of her grandsons.
There is a wealth of information about Catherine, her court and Russia in this biography...a must read for anyone interested in the life in the Winter Palace.
There is a wealth of information about Catherine, her court and Russia in this biography...a must read for anyone interested in the life in the Winter Palace.
July 30, 2017
That is an unfortunate subtitle, because while she exercised power, and she fell in love often, and had plenty of sex, the empress of Russia between 1762 and 1796 was a far more interesting character than implied by those three words. Rounding writes a biography focusing on her personal life more than the specifics of political and military gains which her reign achieved. As Catherine offered voluminous correspondence both to and from others, Rounding has access to a very intimate account of her story. I actually enjoyed the first third of the book more, waiting for Catherine to grow up in Germany, get married to the heir to the Russian throne, prepare herself for attaining power, and then benefit from a coup d'etat she largely arranged herself. But, the rest of her life had plenty of interesting events, and her feelings about them as well as about the more hidden activities at court, are really interesting, as well. This was a nice addition to my recent reading in portions of Russian, European, and Ottoman histories.
May 3, 2008
Rounding's biography of Catherine the Great, former Empress of Russia, is a long, but compelling and objective read. Rounding used painstaking research, most of it first hand, to give a detailed view of Catherine's life as a young child through the day of her death. She also added an Epilogue, which provides a nice, brief summary of how the rest of the Romanov family of rulers hailed until their reign came to an end when Nicholas II's family was assasinated.
Catherine was an interesting woman who was learned, had political savvy, and a great appreciation for the arts. She took the enlightened approach to ruling, yet applied it in a maternalistic manner. She also had a thing for young men to whom she gave much power and money in return for love and sex. Yet once out of favor, she treated these men well and they continued to remain loyal to her.
There is so much interesting information in this book that describes what life was like at a royal court during the 1700s. It's amazing how much money was spent on entertainment, building great homes, gardens, art collections and even gems. Yet even with all of its splendor, life at court to me seemed to be absolutely exhausting.
I would recommend this book to people who are interested in Russian history or in monarchs who ruled during this era. Catherine's reign also sets Russia up for what was to come next, even though Catherine of course had no idea at the time how those that she left behind would leave their mark on Russian history and the world.
Catherine was an interesting woman who was learned, had political savvy, and a great appreciation for the arts. She took the enlightened approach to ruling, yet applied it in a maternalistic manner. She also had a thing for young men to whom she gave much power and money in return for love and sex. Yet once out of favor, she treated these men well and they continued to remain loyal to her.
There is so much interesting information in this book that describes what life was like at a royal court during the 1700s. It's amazing how much money was spent on entertainment, building great homes, gardens, art collections and even gems. Yet even with all of its splendor, life at court to me seemed to be absolutely exhausting.
I would recommend this book to people who are interested in Russian history or in monarchs who ruled during this era. Catherine's reign also sets Russia up for what was to come next, even though Catherine of course had no idea at the time how those that she left behind would leave their mark on Russian history and the world.
February 8, 2020
What a ride! I have been meaning to read a Catherine the Great biography for years. One day I was dropping off donation books at the library and a copy of this (sans dust jacket) was waiting patiently on top of the “free” table, as if just for me.
A year went by before I felt the strange, irresistible pull to take it from my to-be-read shelf and put it into my eager hands. It took me over a month to complete, but it was well worth it.
I will remember this for long after I read the last page.
It is a fantastic biography, including all that it can without being overbearing. It intrigues, excites, examines and takes the reader on a journey into 18th century Russia.
Highly recommend!
Verdict: BUY
A year went by before I felt the strange, irresistible pull to take it from my to-be-read shelf and put it into my eager hands. It took me over a month to complete, but it was well worth it.
I will remember this for long after I read the last page.
It is a fantastic biography, including all that it can without being overbearing. It intrigues, excites, examines and takes the reader on a journey into 18th century Russia.
Highly recommend!
Verdict: BUY
May 14, 2008
Excellent book about Catherine the Great. The author uses a lot of primary sources (letters, memoirs, etc.) which really add a lot to the book. It's wonderful to read about these people in their own words. This book took me a long time to read because of all the details and names and places I wasn't familiar with, but it was well worth it.
June 6, 2008
Ms Rounding has provided a biography of Catherine which, while it is based on the person, covers the history and politics as well. So, who was Catherine and how did a relatively minor princess who was not even Russian born become the longest reigning monarch in Russian imperial history?
This is a fascinating study in power and politics as well as a personal journey through the life of one of the most intriguing women documented in history. Catherine herself was a complex character: a tireless legislator; a generous patron of philosophers (including men such as Denis Diderot and Voltaire); and an art collector (her systematic acquisition formed the basis of the great ‘Hermitage’ collection). Catherine was a dutiful daughter, a domineering mother and an indulgent grandmother. Catherine was also a prodigious writer, and it is largely through her writings that Ms Rounding has compiled this biography.
This is a fascinating study in power and politics as well as a personal journey through the life of one of the most intriguing women documented in history. Catherine herself was a complex character: a tireless legislator; a generous patron of philosophers (including men such as Denis Diderot and Voltaire); and an art collector (her systematic acquisition formed the basis of the great ‘Hermitage’ collection). Catherine was a dutiful daughter, a domineering mother and an indulgent grandmother. Catherine was also a prodigious writer, and it is largely through her writings that Ms Rounding has compiled this biography.
November 30, 2014
Great book by Virginia Rounding who made an extensive historical research work on Catherine's The Great life. The book is very well written, keeping our attention during the whole story. Looking forward for other books by this author.
Sending as a passport-book to Bettie.
Sending as a passport-book to Bettie.
January 29, 2016
Perhaps the greatest aspect of this well-rounded biography is the inclusion of Catherine the Great's own letters. It's clear from reading her words that Catherine was an intelligent woman, ahead of her time. Author Virginia Rounding's book may not be as good a read as Robert K. Massie's biography of the same subject, but she certainly does a more than admirable job in showing the reader why Catherine is a worthy biographical topic.
Rounding lays evidence to how Catherine, a former German princess, was able to claim the love and loyalty of her adopted country, winning over doubters as to the ability of a woman in the mid-eighteenth century of being not only able to rule an empire, but to rule it well. Like Peter the Great before her, Catherine was able to take Russia to the forefront of the world's stage; to introduce philosophy and reason to a country known for its superstition and backwardness. She believed in the views of enlightened thinkers like Diderot and Voltaire, allowing their reasoning to help mold her view of rule (in fact, she corresponded regularly with both). It's ironic that it was only later in her reign that Catherine began to pull away from the more enlightened beliefs about governance, fearful of what those views might produce as evident by the American and French Revolutions. Through it all and despite her weaknesses (for which men were one) Catherine was a strong ruler -- intelligent, determined, fair, magnanimous, and forgiving, yet decisive and firm when needed.
Like Elizabeth I of England, Catherine showed the world that the right woman could dominate the political and cultural stage. I recommend Rounding's Catherine the Great: Love, Sex, and Power for any student of history. The author covers all aspects of Catherine's life, from her need for love and affection from men to her insatiable need for cultural and intellectual stimulation. For all of her many accomplishments, Catherine was not a woman content to rest on her laurels. She was a woman who governed hands-on, with an innate ability to align herself with men who she knew could and would promote her initiatives. In many ways, Catherine the Great's rule was perhaps the golden apex of the Russian Romanov Empire. She goes down in history as one of the world's greatest rulers -- man or woman; a ruler for the ages.
Rounding lays evidence to how Catherine, a former German princess, was able to claim the love and loyalty of her adopted country, winning over doubters as to the ability of a woman in the mid-eighteenth century of being not only able to rule an empire, but to rule it well. Like Peter the Great before her, Catherine was able to take Russia to the forefront of the world's stage; to introduce philosophy and reason to a country known for its superstition and backwardness. She believed in the views of enlightened thinkers like Diderot and Voltaire, allowing their reasoning to help mold her view of rule (in fact, she corresponded regularly with both). It's ironic that it was only later in her reign that Catherine began to pull away from the more enlightened beliefs about governance, fearful of what those views might produce as evident by the American and French Revolutions. Through it all and despite her weaknesses (for which men were one) Catherine was a strong ruler -- intelligent, determined, fair, magnanimous, and forgiving, yet decisive and firm when needed.
Like Elizabeth I of England, Catherine showed the world that the right woman could dominate the political and cultural stage. I recommend Rounding's Catherine the Great: Love, Sex, and Power for any student of history. The author covers all aspects of Catherine's life, from her need for love and affection from men to her insatiable need for cultural and intellectual stimulation. For all of her many accomplishments, Catherine was not a woman content to rest on her laurels. She was a woman who governed hands-on, with an innate ability to align herself with men who she knew could and would promote her initiatives. In many ways, Catherine the Great's rule was perhaps the golden apex of the Russian Romanov Empire. She goes down in history as one of the world's greatest rulers -- man or woman; a ruler for the ages.
March 3, 2016
Admittedly this book took me a long time to finish (this is in large part due to the fact that I'm not the speediest reader and I tend to have more than one book going at a time), but as far as nonfiction goes, this is officially a favorite. In fact, it is one of the better books I've ever read; fiction, nonfiction, or otherwise. In "Love, Sex, Power", Rounding brings to life a fantastic minx of woman that put Russia on the map as a legitimate world player. The reader is thoroughly entertained and educated. So often with biographies, the storytelling becomes dry and muddled with incoherent facts. However, with this book, Rounding cleverly weaves history, people and legend into one enthralling story. From the infamous “horse rumors” to “Potemkin Villages”, the life of Catherine is depicted whole-heartedly. In many ways, this biography read like a novel, and a thrilling one at that.
October 1, 2008
Fascinating portrait of an incredible monarch. Rounding paints the picture of a real woman, along with Catherine's status as legendary empress. I really enjoyed reading about the policies she implemented and how she changed the face of Russia in Europe's eyes. The only negative is that Rounding dances around the subject of Catherine's children - avoiding how much the Grand Duke and Duchess resented her because of her iron grip on their lives. Although this would have been the same situation had Catherine been a man and an emperor. Overall, fantastic biography.
May 29, 2024
What a remarkable ruler. I was brought here by the miniseries '"The Great", which is while satirical, fantastic (although I am very partial to Elle Fanning). The author clearly wanted to do her justice after all the drivel that affected her reputation throughout history. I wanted a female biographer to reduce any potential unnecessary focus on her sex life (history is obsessed with it, classic patriarchy, "oh sexual appetites from a woman, never!!").
It was a slog at times—endless descriptions of court comings and goings, movements and travels. She had some interesting relationships and she was a fascinating person and highly educated. Truly, all the rulers that come after her seem to be dogshit in comparison (from the author's assessment and my own Wikipedia research ha ha). Took me a while but i got there! I enjoyed it all the while.
It was a slog at times—endless descriptions of court comings and goings, movements and travels. She had some interesting relationships and she was a fascinating person and highly educated. Truly, all the rulers that come after her seem to be dogshit in comparison (from the author's assessment and my own Wikipedia research ha ha). Took me a while but i got there! I enjoyed it all the while.
December 6, 2010
Not being very familiar with Catherine the Great's reign (most of my reading on the Romanovs has been focused on Nicholas II), but curious about her, I searched around for a while for a suitable biography to start with. Rounding's was recommended time and again, and after reading it, I can see why.
Her account is detailed, with some excellent analysis mixed in, while remaining easy to follow. (Not an easy task, considering the number of people involved in Catherine's court, many with identical or nearly identical names.)
Her account is detailed, with some excellent analysis mixed in, while remaining easy to follow. (Not an easy task, considering the number of people involved in Catherine's court, many with identical or nearly identical names.)
September 8, 2010
A very good, very readable biography of Catherine the Great.
November 6, 2021
Fascinating insights into the world of Imperial Russia. Catherine is a little bit whitewashed in places, her husband's death on her orders for example is treated as something one of her supporters "probably" did. Nevertheless this is not a hagiography, Catherine is made real and very interesting.
And I do think she probably did not have the secual depravity contemporary writers accused her off. I think that was an attempt to destroy her reputation.
And I do think she probably did not have the secual depravity contemporary writers accused her off. I think that was an attempt to destroy her reputation.
February 17, 2011
I finished this a while ago. Very enjoyable reading. The author says at the outset that she wants to "present Catherine the woman, the multi-faceted, very eighteenth-century woman, principally through her own words and those of her contemporaries[]." Also? Apparently the horse story is a complete fabrication. Not a big surprise. I can't remember if I knew that before or not. But since this is something of a personal biography with political aspects, it spends a lot of time on Catherine's relationships with her favorites. (They'd be called mistresses if the genders were reversed.) This is something that modern polyfolk might find to be interesting, because for much of her life she had two favorites and had to figure out how to deal with having both of them around. (This is even more complicated when you're being the Empress of Russia, apparently.)
Catherine expresses herself well, and her excerpted letters are a lot of fun to read. I'm tempted to see if I can track the originals down, since presumably many of them would have been written in French. (Both because of Francophilia in Russian culture of the period, and because IIRC at this time French was (still) the dominant language of diplomacy.)
Here's an excerpt (p.331) from a letter from 11 November 1778, concerning American privateering:
"When Catherine received these drawings on I September [1778] she immediately went into an acquisitive ecstasy over them and determined that she must have replicas of the loggias for herself. ..."
1789 made the Empress unhappy. Not a big surprise.
Incidentally, I love Amazon's Search Inside This Book feature, because when I want to excerpt from a book whose publisher has provided the text, well, it saves me a lot of typing.
Catherine expresses herself well, and her excerpted letters are a lot of fun to read. I'm tempted to see if I can track the originals down, since presumably many of them would have been written in French. (Both because of Francophilia in Russian culture of the period, and because IIRC at this time French was (still) the dominant language of diplomacy.)
Here's an excerpt (p.331) from a letter from 11 November 1778, concerning American privateering:
Do you know what wrong those American ship owners have done me? They have seized some merchant ships which were setting off from Arkhangelsk; they carried out this delightful business in the months of July, but I sincerely promise you that the first to meddle in the commerce of Arkhangelsk during this coming year will pay me dearly for it, for I am not Brother G. [i.e. King George III]: one doesn't push me around with impunity; they can do what they like to Brother G., but not to me, without getting their fingers burnt; I am angry, very angry indeed.Here's another interesting one - Catherine's reaction upon seeing drawings of some loggias decorated with paintings by Raphael. (Go here for pictures of the originals.)
"When Catherine received these drawings on I September [1778] she immediately went into an acquisitive ecstasy over them and determined that she must have replicas of the loggias for herself. ..."
I'll die, I'm sure I'll die: there's a strong wind blowing from the sea, the worst kind for the imagination; this morning I went to the baths, which made my blood rise to my head, and this this afternoon the ceilings of the Raphael loggias fell into my hands. I am sustained by absolutely nothing but hope; I beg you to save me: write at once to Reiffenstein, I beg you, to tell him to get these vaults copied life-size, as well as the walls, and I make a vow to Saint Raphael that I will have loggias built whatever the cost and will place the copies in them, for I absolutely must see them as they are. I have such veneration for these loggias, these ceilings, that I am prepared to bear the expense of this building for their sake, and I will have neither peace nor repose until this project is under way. And if someone could make me a little model of the building, the dimensions taken with accuracy in Rome, the city of models, I would get nearer to my aim. Well, the divine Reiffenstein could have this lovely commission as well, if Monsieur the Baron Grimm so desires; I admit that I would rather charge you with this than Monsieur Shuvalov, because the latter is always raising doubts about everything, and doubts are what make people like me suffer more than anything else in the world.One of the Empress's favorites was mentioned as having an apothecary set, which he used to mix and test drugs (!). But I wonder if this was a predecessor of modern chemistry sets.
1789 made the Empress unhappy. Not a big surprise.
"Do you still remember," she wrote to Grimm, "how the late King of Prussia claimed that Helvetius had confessed to him that the project of the philosophes was to overturn all thrones and that the Encyclopédie had been made with no other aim than the destruction of all kings and all religions? Do you also remember that you never wanted to be counted among the philosophes? Well, you are right never to have wanted to be included among the illuminati, the enlightened ones, or the philosophes, for their only objective is destruction, as experience has shown."Also the part about the illuminati made me smile.
Incidentally, I love Amazon's Search Inside This Book feature, because when I want to excerpt from a book whose publisher has provided the text, well, it saves me a lot of typing.
January 13, 2008
Okay, I admit it. Some historic biographies are not my cup of tea. Challeged to read this for a book club, I managed to get about 1/4 of the way through and finally decided to let this book go home to it's original owner.
If you are a history buff and love reading volumes of old letters, documents and love notes, mostly about court "goings on" this is the book for you. To her credit, Catherine was a person to be reckoned with. If anyone knows of a good raunchy fictional version I can read at the beach next summer, let me know.
If you are a history buff and love reading volumes of old letters, documents and love notes, mostly about court "goings on" this is the book for you. To her credit, Catherine was a person to be reckoned with. If anyone knows of a good raunchy fictional version I can read at the beach next summer, let me know.
August 1, 2008
It is entirely not what I thought it would be. I bought it in an airport preparing for an international flight. I thought it would be told historical fiction style ala The Other Boleyn Girl, which as an aside is a horrible movie (I watched it on the same flight). So, it wasn't how I expected, but I think I like it better than I would if it written with an eye to being turned into a movie starring Scarlett Johanssen as the aging empress.
December 31, 2009
I read this last over a year ago and found all the actual personal letters etc just facinsting. I love when there are things direct from the person as it leaves no questions as to what the truth is. This is full with info and as some found this too much I can't get enough of it! No huge revalations of info fir those famailiar with CTG bug it's well written, & beautifully done. (also on a side note... I have an ancestor who knew CTG and what an INCREDIBLE woman to know!!)
October 6, 2008
Well written, parts of it were good. The author crammed too much unnecessary information in the book. The author makes the assumption that the reader already has a fully grasp on how the convulted Russian court system in the 1700's worked.
May 23, 2008
I enjoyed this immensely. It wasn't too dense, just a good and well written biography. The author does not assume any prior knowledge and makes sure that the reading isn't littered with too much superfluous information.
April 17, 2008
Loved, loved it! Excellent details, pacing, and humor. Every morning, I was excited to get back to reading it.
September 19, 2008
Great biography of Catherine the Great
June 28, 2009
An accessible and absorbing account of the life of a remarkable woman.
August 15, 2025
Unfortunately, I found myself disappointed in this biography. To be fair, in her foreword, Roundling warns that she will present Catherine's life chronologically, not thematically, but I didn't expect that approach to be so rigidly adhered to. Her focus was also intensely on Catherine, and she does little to put Catherine's life and achievements into context, particularly for someone unfamiliar with Russian history and culture of that period. Finally, for an author who concludes her biography by reflecting that Catherine was so much more than the stories of a sex-crazed ruler, Roundling's decision to intensely focus on Catherine's love life means that her achievements get short shrift.
Roundling's rigid chronological approach felt disruptive to the narrative, particularly when Catherine ascends to the throne. She organizes chapters by time periods (e.g., "Last Years (1791-1796)"). Pugachev's rebellion--the largest peasant revolt in Russian Empire history (a fact that Roundling didn't include)--occurred about 10 years into Catherine's reign. When Roundling first introduces it, she spends a few paragraphs on Pugachev's background and how it started, and then quickly moves on to some other event, which could be as inconsequential as a party or ball Catherine attended. The rebellion will crop at various points in the chapter (or couple of chapters, as I believe it started during the years covered by one chapter and concluded in the time period covered by the next), and then Roundling will switch back to whatever Catherine did next--write a letter to one of her many correspondents, have a fight with a favorite, buy artwork, etc. Ultimately, reading this biography felt akin to reading a diary. I found it difficult to get a good picture of the impact of events in Catherine's life because the details are scattered about, often immediately adjacent to something relatively inconsequential or unimportant (although she probably didn't, it felt like Roundling documented every time Catherine had a cold).
Similarly, Roundling's focus on the minutiae of Catherine's life made it difficult to appreciate the political developments, in particular. For example, Catherine's bid to become wife to the then-Empress' heir was supported by the King of Prussia, Frederick the Great. (Wikipedia says that he supported Catherine's candidacy to disrupt Austrian influence at the Russian Imperial Court and specifically references a scandal that occurred a couple of years before Catherine's arrival involving a conspiracy to slander a Russian noblewoman and lead to the overthrow of the Austrian-inclined Russian chancellor. I don't know if that's correct, but it would have been great if Roundling had discussed the scandal and any impact it may have had.) Instead, Roundling says that Catherine (then Sophia) promised to act on Frederick's behalf/be loyal to him. Many years later, as Empress, Catherine turned away from Prussia and made Austria, through Joseph II, her main ally. It's not clear why she did that. But I know a great deal about her collection of gemstones because one of her favorites was interested in them.
Finally, Catherine was, apparently, indefatigable when it came to writing legislation and organizing Russian law into a more coherent system; developing schools to educate girls and boys, many of whom were not nobles (not serfs, either); corresponding with the great thinkers of the day (such as Voltaire and Diderot); collecting art forming the nucleus of the famed Hermitage Museum; advocating for public health initiatives, having both herself and her young son (her only surviving legitimate child and heir to the throne) inoculated for smallpox as an example for her people, and waging multiple wars to expand Russia's boundaries. All of these achievements are noted in this biography and given attention, but far more is given to her romantic/emotional dependence on a series of favorites, several of whom are not that interesting. When I finished this biography, I had a more vivid impression of her relationship with Grigory Orlov (to be fair, a longstanding relationship) than her foreign policy.
Ultimately, the besetting sin of this work is that the above flaws dilute--and, in certain ways, obscure--the remarkable achievements of an extraordinary personality who came to Russia as a 15-year old from Prussia who 18 years later overthrew her husband--the grandson of Peter the Great--to solely reign for 34 years as Empress of Russia. Even when her son reached his majority, there appears to have been no serious risk to her retaining her throne and power. This is amazing--an 18th century woman with no hereditary claim to the throne of the largest kingdom in Europe became its undisputed ruler and one of the greatest monarchs in its imperial history. For all of Roundling's extensive research (and I can't fault her on that), the wonder of this gets buried in this biography.
Roundling's rigid chronological approach felt disruptive to the narrative, particularly when Catherine ascends to the throne. She organizes chapters by time periods (e.g., "Last Years (1791-1796)"). Pugachev's rebellion--the largest peasant revolt in Russian Empire history (a fact that Roundling didn't include)--occurred about 10 years into Catherine's reign. When Roundling first introduces it, she spends a few paragraphs on Pugachev's background and how it started, and then quickly moves on to some other event, which could be as inconsequential as a party or ball Catherine attended. The rebellion will crop at various points in the chapter (or couple of chapters, as I believe it started during the years covered by one chapter and concluded in the time period covered by the next), and then Roundling will switch back to whatever Catherine did next--write a letter to one of her many correspondents, have a fight with a favorite, buy artwork, etc. Ultimately, reading this biography felt akin to reading a diary. I found it difficult to get a good picture of the impact of events in Catherine's life because the details are scattered about, often immediately adjacent to something relatively inconsequential or unimportant (although she probably didn't, it felt like Roundling documented every time Catherine had a cold).
Similarly, Roundling's focus on the minutiae of Catherine's life made it difficult to appreciate the political developments, in particular. For example, Catherine's bid to become wife to the then-Empress' heir was supported by the King of Prussia, Frederick the Great. (Wikipedia says that he supported Catherine's candidacy to disrupt Austrian influence at the Russian Imperial Court and specifically references a scandal that occurred a couple of years before Catherine's arrival involving a conspiracy to slander a Russian noblewoman and lead to the overthrow of the Austrian-inclined Russian chancellor. I don't know if that's correct, but it would have been great if Roundling had discussed the scandal and any impact it may have had.) Instead, Roundling says that Catherine (then Sophia) promised to act on Frederick's behalf/be loyal to him. Many years later, as Empress, Catherine turned away from Prussia and made Austria, through Joseph II, her main ally. It's not clear why she did that. But I know a great deal about her collection of gemstones because one of her favorites was interested in them.
Finally, Catherine was, apparently, indefatigable when it came to writing legislation and organizing Russian law into a more coherent system; developing schools to educate girls and boys, many of whom were not nobles (not serfs, either); corresponding with the great thinkers of the day (such as Voltaire and Diderot); collecting art forming the nucleus of the famed Hermitage Museum; advocating for public health initiatives, having both herself and her young son (her only surviving legitimate child and heir to the throne) inoculated for smallpox as an example for her people, and waging multiple wars to expand Russia's boundaries. All of these achievements are noted in this biography and given attention, but far more is given to her romantic/emotional dependence on a series of favorites, several of whom are not that interesting. When I finished this biography, I had a more vivid impression of her relationship with Grigory Orlov (to be fair, a longstanding relationship) than her foreign policy.
Ultimately, the besetting sin of this work is that the above flaws dilute--and, in certain ways, obscure--the remarkable achievements of an extraordinary personality who came to Russia as a 15-year old from Prussia who 18 years later overthrew her husband--the grandson of Peter the Great--to solely reign for 34 years as Empress of Russia. Even when her son reached his majority, there appears to have been no serious risk to her retaining her throne and power. This is amazing--an 18th century woman with no hereditary claim to the throne of the largest kingdom in Europe became its undisputed ruler and one of the greatest monarchs in its imperial history. For all of Roundling's extensive research (and I can't fault her on that), the wonder of this gets buried in this biography.
March 16, 2022
This was my first time reading a book on Russian history in English, because being from the country in question, I usually go straight to the original sources. I'm glad I made time for this book, it is thoughtful, thoroughly researched and written in an entertaining way. A lot of history books from the Soviet era, while usually being well-written and intelligent, lack the warm and humanistic approach that Rounding offers, due in parts to censorship, narrow approach and, well, misogyny that is so widespread in academia.
I don't believe that this particular book has all the information on Catherine or that it's 100 percent objective, but I don't expect it to be all that. It's impossible to say everything there is to say on such a significant figure as Catherine, in one single book.
I do believe, however, that one might get the impression that Catherine was averse to war (as she sometimes professed to be, it seems) and casualties it entails, from this book. That wasn't the case. In one particular episode in Turkey, for instance, the Russian army not only successfully occupied the fort, but also murdered a lot of civilians, including women and children. I believe that was included in the report, and judging by the pride Catherine took in that victory, it doesn't seem like she as a monarch or even as a human being felt any remorse.
Indeed, Catherine was probably the last ruler in Russia who did care (albeit selectively) about making improvements in some areas and sometimes even making life better for the people. She was intelligent, well-educated and a lover of arts and culture. She was also narcissistic, shallow in her humanism, took the toxic culture of favouritism to absurd levels, claimed to be against capital punishment and police violence, but didn't bat an eye when it was done in her name. Rounding captures that complexity very well.
I don't believe that this particular book has all the information on Catherine or that it's 100 percent objective, but I don't expect it to be all that. It's impossible to say everything there is to say on such a significant figure as Catherine, in one single book.
I do believe, however, that one might get the impression that Catherine was averse to war (as she sometimes professed to be, it seems) and casualties it entails, from this book. That wasn't the case. In one particular episode in Turkey, for instance, the Russian army not only successfully occupied the fort, but also murdered a lot of civilians, including women and children. I believe that was included in the report, and judging by the pride Catherine took in that victory, it doesn't seem like she as a monarch or even as a human being felt any remorse.
Indeed, Catherine was probably the last ruler in Russia who did care (albeit selectively) about making improvements in some areas and sometimes even making life better for the people. She was intelligent, well-educated and a lover of arts and culture. She was also narcissistic, shallow in her humanism, took the toxic culture of favouritism to absurd levels, claimed to be against capital punishment and police violence, but didn't bat an eye when it was done in her name. Rounding captures that complexity very well.
November 3, 2018
My knowledge of Russian history is very limited - it doesn't much go beyond the small amount we learnt about the Russian Revolution as part of GCSE history. My impressions from that and the little else I'd heard was that it was a backwards country with a totalitarian regime and most Russians suffered greatly. Reading about Catherine the Great has really provided me with a more nuanced understanding of Russian history of the 18th century and allowed me to better understand how the Russian revolution came about. It has also provided me with a window onto the world of an extraordinary woman, often unfairly maligned, who achieved much for Russia.
I was left with much admiration for Catherine after reading this and wonder how many other 18th century governments would have benefited from such a strong, capable yet magnanimous woman at the helm. She had her faults and didn't free the serfs but set in the context of 18th century Russia and European Royalty she can still be viewed as a progressive and enlightened monarch.
As for the book I found it comprehensive but well written. Quotes from contemporary sources intermingled well with the narrative, something many historians seem to trip up on. The author managed to put across their admiration of Catherine without sounding sycophantic. In fact the book is so well crafted itis hard to feel anything but admiration and respect for Catherine by the time you reach the end.
Don'tbe put off by the length - this book is easy to read and hard to put down.
I was left with much admiration for Catherine after reading this and wonder how many other 18th century governments would have benefited from such a strong, capable yet magnanimous woman at the helm. She had her faults and didn't free the serfs but set in the context of 18th century Russia and European Royalty she can still be viewed as a progressive and enlightened monarch.
As for the book I found it comprehensive but well written. Quotes from contemporary sources intermingled well with the narrative, something many historians seem to trip up on. The author managed to put across their admiration of Catherine without sounding sycophantic. In fact the book is so well crafted itis hard to feel anything but admiration and respect for Catherine by the time you reach the end.
Don'tbe put off by the length - this book is easy to read and hard to put down.
June 17, 2018
A very detailed account of Catherine II's life and reign, with many descriptions of court life and a focus on her relationships with her family and favourites and how she integrated those people into her style of reign and the many reforms she initiated as empress of Russia. The two most important love-affairs in her life were essentially working-relationships with men that played important roles in Russia's politics and wars during Catherine's reign and that each lasted decades longer than the inital affair.
The author goes into great detail and often quotes directly from letters, notes and reports written at the time by Catherine herself, various courtiers and ambassadors from France, Prussia, Great Britain etc., thereby presenting a view as authentic as possible of the empress, her court and the situation in 18th century Europe.
In my opinion, the title of the work is misleading: this is thankfully not a cheap tell-all book about Catherine the Great's sex-life or the rumours that were spread after her death. Virginia Rounding emphasizes the importance of personal (and sexual) relationships in the empress' life but this is essentially a book about politics.
The author goes into great detail and often quotes directly from letters, notes and reports written at the time by Catherine herself, various courtiers and ambassadors from France, Prussia, Great Britain etc., thereby presenting a view as authentic as possible of the empress, her court and the situation in 18th century Europe.
In my opinion, the title of the work is misleading: this is thankfully not a cheap tell-all book about Catherine the Great's sex-life or the rumours that were spread after her death. Virginia Rounding emphasizes the importance of personal (and sexual) relationships in the empress' life but this is essentially a book about politics.
April 6, 2021
If you want to read about why Catherine is called 'the Great', this is not a book for you. The book is very much about her personal life, her lovers, her court, the balls, her family, her travels etc. There is some national and international context in the book, but just as a background.
Very interesting to read, nonetheless. A lot of quotes from Catherine's letters, from letter's and diaries of the people she worked with etc. It brings home the reality of her life, of her person. Much more than a book that focusses on her national and international accomplishments could do.
Perhaps it is the perfect companion to such a book: that you start reading a book about her place in history, with a such a personal picture of Catherine already in your mind.
Very interesting to read, nonetheless. A lot of quotes from Catherine's letters, from letter's and diaries of the people she worked with etc. It brings home the reality of her life, of her person. Much more than a book that focusses on her national and international accomplishments could do.
Perhaps it is the perfect companion to such a book: that you start reading a book about her place in history, with a such a personal picture of Catherine already in your mind.
April 15, 2020
I expected to riff through sections that might be dense or uninteresting. Never did that.
This very well researched reflection on every aspect of Empress Catherine II of the Russian empire covered her personality, intelligence and insights in a way that makes her shine even if she had her husband the rightful heir Peter III murdered resulting in her usurping the throne. However, from all accounts, she was a fair, intensely self educated, curious and courageous monarch who earned the Great title by rivaling Peter the Great in terms of her social, martial and forward thinking ideas about the world and her country's needs.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
This very well researched reflection on every aspect of Empress Catherine II of the Russian empire covered her personality, intelligence and insights in a way that makes her shine even if she had her husband the rightful heir Peter III murdered resulting in her usurping the throne. However, from all accounts, she was a fair, intensely self educated, curious and courageous monarch who earned the Great title by rivaling Peter the Great in terms of her social, martial and forward thinking ideas about the world and her country's needs.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
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May 6, 2023I’m not going to dissemble; I didn’t finish this door-stopper of a biography. However that was never my intention. I wanted to know how Catherine came from a German “feudal anthill “ to become the supreme ruler of Russia. My interest was piqued by listening to one of Misha Glenna’s podcasts ‘How to invent a country’. Glenny is a wonderful interlocutor and his enthusiasms are infectious. Rounding obviously has done a lifetime’s research, however, as a writer she is skilful to not let her learnedness overwhelm the narrative. I certainly got what I wanted.
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