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Great Catherine: The Life of Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia by Carolly Erickson: A Book Review

Great Catherine: The Life of Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia

Author: Carolly Erickson 

Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography 

Publisher: Crown

Book Release Date: 1994

Pages: 400

Source: Personal Collection

Synopsis: The author of Bloody Mary presents a popular biography of the legendary Russian empress that emphasizes Catherine the Great's political ability, humanitarian inclinations, and other accomplishments. 


       My Review: Catherine the Great was one of Russia’s most famous rulers. She was originally a German princess. She married Grand Duke Peter of Russia. When her husband Peter III ascended the Russian throne, Catherine realized that she could not trust him. Instead, Peter III planned to remove her as Empress and put his own mistress on the throne. Empress Catherine launched a coup d’etat against her husband and became the sovereign ruler of Russia. This biography shows her accomplishments and personal relationships.


        Catherine the Great was truly an intelligent ruler. She had a love for learning. She was inspired by Montesquieu and Diderot. She had many ideas to reform Russia. She was also into war and helped bring Russia to her own glory. I admired her patience as she endured her unhappy marriage to Peter III. In her early years, she felt alienated and did not have much comfort. Instead, Catherine the Great was a princess who spent her whole life seeking love, mostly from men. When she became empress, she had many male favorites, and led an immoral court. Thus, this biography shows her flaws as well as Catherine’s strengths.


        Overall, this was a very balanced biography of Catherine the Great. It does a decent job in showing Catherine’s personal life as well as the accomplishments in her reign. She was a patron of the arts and literature. She wanted to become the model of an Enlightened ruler. She created schools and hospitals. The only thing that I did not like about this book was that it was not as detailed as Robert K. Massie’s biography of Catherine the Great! Nevertheless, it was still a very engaging read! I came away from this book having more of an admiration and respect for Catherine the Great! I recommend this book for fans of Antonia Fraser, Leonie Frieda, and Helen Rappaport!


Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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