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

 

Summary (from the publisher): From the moment the fourteen-year-old Princess Sophia of Anhalt-Zerbst agreed to marry the heir to the Russian throne, she was mired in a quicksand of intrigue. Precociously intelligent, self-confident, and attractive but with a stubborn, wayward streak, Sophia withstood a degree of emotional battering that would have broken a weaker spirit until at last she emerged, triumphant over her many enemies, as Empress Catherine II of Russia. 

Her achievements as empress were prodigious. She brought vast new lands under Russian rule. She raised the prestige of Russia in Europe. She began the process of imposing legal and political order on the chaos she inherited from her predecessors. Yet few historical figures have been so enthusiastically vilified as Catherine the Great. Whispers that she had ordered her husband's murder grew to murmurs that she was an immoral woman and finally to shouts that she was a depraved, lust-crazed nymphomaniac. 

With deft mastery of historical narrative and an unsurpassed ability to make the past live again, Carolly Erickson uncovers the real woman behind the tarnished image-an indomitable, feisty, often visionary ruler who, in an age of caveats and constraints, blithely went her own way. Great Catherine reveals the complexities of this great ruler's nature, her craving for love, her insecurities, the inevitable sorrows and disappointments of a strong empress who dared not share her power with any man yet longed to be led and guided by a loving consort. Great Catherine is a fresh portrait of an infamous historical figure, one that reveals how Catherine's flawed triumph guaranteed her posthumous fame and enhanced the might and renown of Russia for generations to come.

Review: Born Princess Sophia of Anhalt-Zerbst, she was selected by the then Empress Elizabeth of Russia to marry her heir, her nephew who became Peter III of Russia. Her early years of marriage were difficult for the intelligent, young princess. Her marriage was not a success and was not consummated for years or perhaps ever due to his inability or lack of interest. Eventually, she turned to a lover in order to conceive a child that would become the heir to the Russian throne. Unlucky even in her love affairs, she was spurned by multiple lovers, although she did eventually have two sons who grew to adulthood. After the death of Elizabeth, Catherine's husband's reign was fairly disastrous until she eventually claimed the throne for herself. Peter was eventually murdered by Catherine's allies. Catherine's reign was filled with great achievement that raised the prestige of Russia. Despite her success as a ruler, she was vilified both at the time and throughout history as an immoral, lust-crazed nymphomaniac. 

I loved the first half of this book that gives an account of Catherine's childhood and early years in Russia. I really got a sense of who she was and her experiences, which was aided by the inclusion of quotes from Catherine's memoirs. Despite the image painted of her in popular culture, she was a smart, attractive girl who was eager to please her parents. She was deeply devoted to her parents, especially her father. For such an innocent, eager to please young girl to be shackled to such a cruel and immature husband must have been a difficult cross to bear. That being said, what a bold move that she eventually chose to overthrow her husband, the rightful heir, and seize power for herself. 

Like other reviews have mentioned, the first half of this biography was a more interesting read. I lost steam in the second half, as the focus became more on court politics and and international concerns and less with the person behind the throne. This is the first biography I have read about Catherine the Great so it is difficult for me to comment on the thoroughness or slant of this author's account, but I found it to be informative and enjoyed learning about Catherine the Great's life. However, the book did end very abruptly with her death and burial. I would have appreciated a brief overview of her children's paths after her death to conclude her tale. 

Stars: 4