Peter the Great (2nd ed)

Peter the Great (1672-1725) was one of the most dominating and fascinating personalities in the history of early modern Europe.

It was under his leadership that Russia emerged as a major political and military force in Europe, which the western powers could no longer afford to ignore or dismiss.

He was both Westernising visionary reformer and brutal autocrat.

This book provides a balanced and analytical view of Peter, covering his failures and shortcomings, as well as his successes.

It pays considerable attention to cultural and intellectual history as well as political, military and economic developments. Originally published by Thames and Hudson in 1978, this substantially revised Second Edition appears under the Longman imprint for the first time.