Catherine the Great

These wonderful new biographies of important historical figures tell more than just the story of the person's life.

They inspire readers to think critically and objectively about the deeds of world leaders.

Each book is divided into two sections--first, an in-depth account of the historical figure's life and works and, second, a series of pages that raise key questions for discussion and debate about the figure's accomplishments.

Fast-moving text sets the stage for pro and con discussions of events.

Focus boxes provide important cultural and historical background material, while sidebars incorporate many primary-text quotations.

Readers are encouraged to use the facts and statistics provided to "judge for themselves" the success or failure of some of the deeds that have shaped our world.