Ivan the Terrible

by Isabel De Madariaga
Ivan the Terrible cover
Good Books rating 3.88
History, Political, Military, Adventure
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Waterstones
Paperback • £27.50
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 11427
  • Added: 2026-03-09
  • Updated: 2026-03-11
  • ISBN: 9780300143768
  • Publisher: Yale University Press
  • Published: 2006-09-25
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Ivan the Terrible delves into the life of one of Russia's most notorious rulers, Ivan IV Vasilyevich. This comprehensive biography by Isabel de Madariaga sheds light on Ivan's complex personality, his marriages, and his infamous policy of terror, including the tragic event of his son's death. The book situates Ivan within the broader context of Russian political developments and offers comparative insights with contemporary European courts, highlighting the role of astrology and magic at his court./n/nDe Madariaga addresses the controversies and challenges in Western scholarship surrounding Ivan, aiming to present a perspective from within Russia rather than from abroad. The result is an enlightening work that captures the full tragedy of Ivan's reign, providing fresh insights into his foreign policy and the authentication challenges due to the destruction of his archive in 1626.

Reviews
Amazon · 2026-03-09
good 4.00

The book is described as very good, effectively explaining the complex Russian politics of the period.

This Amazon review describes the book as very good, particularly in its explanation of the complex Russian politics during Ivan the Terrible's reign. The reviewer finds the author's ability to simplify and explain intricate historical details to be commendable. They appreciate the book's thoroughness and the clarity with which it presents the information, making it accessible to readers. The reviewer also notes that the book provides a deep understanding of Ivan's character and his impact on Russian history.

Quick quotes

    This is a very good book on a difficult person in history to understand.

    Russian politics in this period is extremely complex, but the author explains it well.

    The book provides a deep understanding of Ivan's character and his impact on Russian history.

Snippet of Histories · 2023-04-14
comprehensive 4.00

The book provides a thorough and impersonal study of Ivan's political reign, exploring the complexities of his rule. It offers a comprehensive analysis of his actions and motivations.

This review highlights the book's comprehensive approach to understanding Ivan the Terrible's political reign. The reviewer appreciates the thorough study of Ivan's actions and motivations, noting that the book is impersonal yet detailed. They find it particularly valuable for its exploration of the political context and the complexities of Ivan's rule. The reviewer also commends the book for its in-depth analysis, making it a valuable resource for those interested in Russian history.

Quick quotes

    This one is rather impersonal yet thoroughly comprehensive in its study of the political reign of Ivan the Terrible.

    It offers a comprehensive analysis of his actions and motivations.

    The book is a valuable resource for those interested in Russian history.

Project MUSE · P Dukes · 2006-01-01
fascinating 4.00

The book offers a fascinating window into the artistic language of the period, conserving elements of a formative past while reacting to the present. It is convincing and insightful.

This review highlights that the book offers a fascinating window into how artistic language conserves elements of a formative past while reacting to the present. The reviewer finds the book convincing and insightful, appreciating the way it explores the complexities of Russian politics during Ivan's reign. The book is praised for its depth and the way it provides a nuanced understanding of the period. The reviewer finds it a valuable resource for those interested in Russian history and the artistic language of the time.

Quick quotes

    It offers a fascinating window onto how artistic language conserves elements of a formative past while reacting to present.

    The 335 poetics is convincing.

    It provides a nuanced understanding of the period.

Goodreads · 2005-01-01
inspiring 3.50

The book is praised for its original and inspiring approach to Ivan's story, examining it within a broader context.

This Goodreads review highlights the book's original and inspiring approach to Ivan the Terrible's story. The reviewer appreciates how the author examines Ivan's life within a broader context, providing a fresh perspective. They find the book to be a valuable addition to the historical literature on Ivan, offering insights that are both informative and engaging. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to make complex historical events accessible and interesting.

Quick quotes

    Ivan the Terrible by Isabel de Madariaga has a very original and inspiring approach.

    Madariaga examined the Ivan's story in the context of broader historical events.

    The book is a valuable addition to the historical literature on Ivan.

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