Presents a reconstruction of the eighteenth-century empress's life that covers her efforts to engage Russia in the cultural life of Europe, her creation of the Hermitage, and her numerous scandal-free romantic affairs.

A portrait of the eighteenth-century Russian empress documents her rise from a little-known German princess to become one of Europe's most celebrated monarchs, in an account that offers insight into her public and private achievements.

A minor German princess with connections to Swedish royalty, the future Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia began as the handpicked bride of the future Czar. When he ascended the throne, Catherine plotted his overthrow, took power, and began to pull her country out of the dark ages. She led Russia for 30 years, creating an enviable dynasty build on cunning and ruthlessness, in addition to newfound notions of justice, progress, and a centralized...