Winner of the Pulitzer PrizeAgainst the monumental canvas of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Europe and Russia unfolds the magnificent story of Peter the Great; crowned co-tsar at the age of ten. Robert K. Massie delves deep into the life of this captivating historical figure; chronicling the pivotal events that shaped a boy into a legend—including his “incognito†travels in Europe; his unquenchable curiosity about Western ways; his obsession with the sea and establishment of the stupendous Russian navy; his creation of an unbeatable army; his transformation of Russia; and his relationships with those he loved most: Catherine; the robust yet gentle peasant; his loving mistress; wife; and successor; and Menshikov; the charming; bold; unscrupulous prince who rose to wealth and power through Peter’s friendship. Impetuous and stubborn; generous and cruel; tender and unforgiving; a man of enormous energy and complexity; Peter the Great is brought fully to life.
#4455466 in Books 1995-04-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.07 x 5.43 x .0l; .87 #File Name: 0333638468184 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Best Introduction to Animal Spirits in Animism and ShamanismBy CustomerThis lovely little book should never be allowed to go out of print. It is one of the first two books I recommend to anyone who is interested in animism and shamanism. This book does more than convey important information--though it does that well--it conveys a sense of understanding.Archeologist Nicholas J. Saunders seems to truly know the animist/shamanist worldview. His books are concise; well researched; beautifully (and appropriately) illustrated; and easy to read and understand.I also recommend his book Cult of the Cat (Art and Imagination Series); which goes more deeply into the amazing beliefs and spiritual practices centering on cats (from jaguars to house cats) from the dawn of time to today.Saunders's books are so full of amazing information that you will want to reread them time and again; and they are so beautifully written that you will reread them.Read this book to understand how our ancestors thought and felt about animals and why they revered them; and to understand the origins of how we feel about animals today.
