I am a history maj at UHH and am required to write a review for this book. In spirit of true historians i will convey my review for everyone.
Lindsey Hughes presents an information rich, easily readable resource, of 18th century Russia, and in my opinion, "produced a well balanced historical reference book." Researching information for this book would lead you to believe that Peter was not a favorved tsar of his time or even today. Dr. Hughes presents unbias evidence for readers to beable to potray the Petrine era, she accomplishes this while still being able to envoke the feeling of those who gave reffrence of Peter during his time. "This newest Russian tittle will give you imense amounts of information allowing you to regurgitate a clear picture of just how life was during Russia in the age of Peter the Great.

This book covers almost every angle of a very dynamic and consequential period in the history of Russia. Its organization allows the reader to move easily through the book and examine those parts which are of interest. I read the book from cover to cover and was never once displeased with the well-researched facts and attention to detail. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Russia's history.

This book overshadows almost everything ever written about Peter the Great and his era. It is deeply researched, incisively argued, stylishly presented, and a marvelous read. Hughes organizes a huge amount of material logically and clearly; her prose exudes spirit and style. She revises much received wisdom. She treats many neglected topics with great insight and good sense. She makes many fascinating comparisons and constantly keeps in mind the contemporary context that Peter lived in. She has a wonderful eye for memorable quotations and shows great wit in her wide-ranging presentation. Her book makes many others look silly and shallow and stodgy. Her book achieves a wonderful balance between scholarly discoveries and revisions and popular topics with wide appeal to any literate person. A sterling achievement in all respects.

I knew I had to pick buy this after I flipped through it at a book store. I have been half-heartedly searching for a couple years now for a book about Russian history that didn't focus on the 1917 revolution and the Cold War. Also, it's full of illustrations and sidebar articles that bring this subject to life. Just for interest reading, this book has been fascinating. From the Kievan Rus to the St. Petersburg czars, and all the interesting stuff in between like the Mongol invasions and Ivan the Terrible, is in here. It's a good light read, because it's not in lengthy novel form. It's my coffee table book.

Overall a very nice, concise account of the life of Peter the Great. A very good introduction to those who wish to learn about this period of Russian history but have little starting background. I did think the last chapter which focuses on monuments to Peter since his death was a little dry and could easily have been edited out without affecting the overall quality of the book