Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman

by Robert K. Massie
Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Biography and Memoir
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £14.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 160
  • Added: 2025-09-03
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781908800947
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2012-07-17
  • Formats: 36
  • Reviews: 4

Catherine the Great's journey from an impoverished aristocrat's daughter to the empress of the largest empire on earth is a tale of ambition, power, and resilience. Married at 16 to the feckless Grand Duke Peter, she navigated a treacherous path to secure her position, ultimately seizing the throne in a daring coup. Her reign was marked by both benevolent rule and brutal suppression, as she fought external threats and internal rebellions while guiding Russia through the tumultuous times of the French Revolution. /n/n Beyond her political prowess, Catherine's personal life was equally compelling. She took numerous lovers but found true partnership with General Potemkin, a statesman of her time. Her legacy is one of contradiction—revered by her people, praised by philosophers, and reviled by enemies, yet remembered as a towering figure in history. Robert K. Massie's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring this extraordinary life to vivid, cinematic detail.

Reviews
Historical Novel Society · 2025-09-03
engaging 4.50

The biography is meticulously detailed yet accessible, managing to keep the reader engaged without overwhelming with facts. The clear chapter structure and narrative style make it easy to follow Catherine's complex life and the historical context.

This review praises the book for its balance of detail and readability, making it suitable for readers unfamiliar with Catherine or Russian history without feeling lost or bored. The reviewer appreciates the short chapters and breaks that allow readers to pause and resume easily, which is especially helpful for busy readers. They emphasize that the biography provides a gripping and novel-like narrative that does justice to the intricacies of Catherine's life and the era she lived in, portraying her as a fascinating and multi-dimensional figure.

Quick quotes

    This is a meticulously detailed work about Catherine and her world, yet Massie never left me with the feeling of being overwhelmed (or worse, bored).

    Even though I knew almost nothing about Catherine or this period of Russian history, I never felt adrift.

    Massie nevertheless makes Catherine’s story as gripping as that of any novel.

The Wallflower Digest · 2025-05-31
excellent 4.00

The biography is engaging and well-sourced from personal memoirs. It provides a comprehensive look into Catherine the Great's life, making it an enjoyable read for those curious about her story.

This biography stands out for its engaging narrative and deep personal insights. The reviewer found it particularly compelling after watching 'The Great' and wanted to learn more about the historical figure. The book is praised for its thorough research and readability, making it a great choice for anyone interested in historical biographies. The personal memoirs add a unique dimension, bringing Catherine the Great to life in a way that feels both intimate and informative.

Quick quotes

    A very engaging biography sourced from personal memoirs.

    I decided to read this after watching The Great and getting curious.

    The book is praised for its thorough research and readability.

FaithLJustice WordPress · 2011-12-02
empathetic 4.30

The biography offers a vivid and empathetic insight into Catherine's personal struggles and triumphs, emphasizing her resilience despite adversities in her private life and court. The author presents controversial aspects fairly, supporting his positions with solid evidence.

This review highlights how the biography brings Catherine the Great's personal life to the forefront, showing her as a complex woman shaped by neglect, abuse, and political intrigue. The reviewer appreciated the balance the author maintained in covering contentious topics such as the paternity of her children, giving readers a nuanced perspective rather than a one-sided portrait. They were particularly moved by the intimate details of Catherine's life, such as her being denied motherhood and the informal social settings she created to break courtly formalities. The writing style is praised for making potentially dry historical material lively and engaging, which helps readers connect emotionally with Catherine's story.

Quick quotes

    Massie takes seriously his subtitle: “Portrait of a Woman” by providing us with insight into Catherine’s everyday life, her relationships, fears and triumphs.

    My heart went out to the young woman who gave birth to her first child, only to have the Empress Elizabeth snatch the child away within seconds.

    Massie is a master of his art, presenting material that could be deadly dull in a lively manner.

The New York Times · 2011-11-16
brilliant 4.50

The book is a nimble and buoyant performance, defying the potential dullness of such a subject. It offers a consistently engaging and well-crafted narrative.

The reviewer from The New York Times praises the book for its nimble and buoyant performance, making what could be a dull subject highly engaging. The narrative is well-crafted and consistently interesting, offering a fresh perspective on Catherine the Great's life. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to defy the typical pitfalls of biographies, making it a standout in the genre. The portrayal of Catherine is both vivid and compelling, providing readers with a deeper understanding of her character and reign.

Quick quotes

    A consistently nimble and buoyant performance.

    Defying what might in a lesser writer's hands prove a deadly subject.

    The portrayal of Catherine is both vivid and compelling.

Appears in Lists