Catherine the Great (Profiles in Power) [Paperback]

Simon Dixon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 19, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0582098033 | ISBN-13: 978-0582098039 | Edition: 1

Neither a comprehensive 'life and times' nor a conventional biography, this is an engaging and accessible exploration of rulership and monarchial authority in eighteenth century Russia. Its purpose is to see how Catherine II of Russia conceived of her power and how it was represented to her subjects.  Simon Dixon asks essential questions about Catherin'es life and reign, and offers new and stimulating arguments about the Englightenment, the power of the monarch in early modern Europe, and the much-debated role of the "great individual" in history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'a concise and closely argued study of a crucial period in the making of Russia'BBC History 'a splendid book, thoughtful, graceful, and insightful' Russian Review 'a stimulating and lively study...contributes not only to our understanding of Catherine's Russia but puts the Russian experience firmly within the broader context of ancient regime' History

From the Back Cover

Catherine the Great remains one of the most resonant icons of imperial Russia.

More than a conventional biography, this is a full history of her rule and use of power. It shows how Catherine conceived of her power and how she represented it to her subjects, as well as how she wielded this power. Catherine¿s life and reign are a prism through which the culture and politics of her age are viewed. To what extent was her rule consensual and how far did it depend on force? As Simon Dixon answers these questions he sheds new light on the Enlightenment, the power of the monarch and the role of the great individual in history.

Simon Dixon is Professor of History, University of Leeds. He is a leading expert on Russian history and the author of many books, including The Modernisation of Russia, 1676-1825 (1999).

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Longman; 1 edition (November 19, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0582098033
• ISBN-13: 978-0582098039
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,263,987 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars What a mess, September 22, 2006

By 

D. A. Johnson "Illini" (Omaha, NE USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Catherine the Great (Profiles in Power) (Paperback)

That this book is part of the same Profiles in Power series as Hartley's Alexander I and Carwardine's Lincoln simply boggles the mind. Was the editor on vacation?

The best part of the book is the cover, featuring a painting of Catherine. Unfortunately, the book is not even worth opening.

Academics like what is called a "review of the literature," in which they survey what has previously been written on a subject. This book is nothing but such a review. The book is very short with short chapters with a massive bibliography at the end of each chapter.

Just what is the author's take on Catherine? Well, there isn't one. He just reviews and reviews.

This book undermines the credibility for reading Profiles books in the future.