Fearful Majesty: The Life and Reign of Ivan the Terrible [Paperback]

Benson Bobrick (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The 16th century of Ivan is explored here at wearing length. Writing prose of a gloominess that matches the era, Bobrick (Labyrinths of Iron) presents Russian history going back to Christianization in A.D. 988 before birthing Ivan in 1530, then to his crowning in 1547 and marriage that same year to Anastasia, his "little heifer" who bore him six children before she was poisoned mysteriously in 1560 (second wife Maria met a like fate). Ivan's reformist reign turned despotic following Anastasia's death, as, at home, he established the Oprichniki, storm-troopers who implemented his decrees, and, to expand his territory, warred with the Tartars, Poland, Sweden and Lithuania while establishing diplomatic relationships with England. In 1582, Ivan was to see his 25-year drive to the Baltic end in defeat when, by treaty, he relinquished territory to Poland. Bobrick's focus is on militarism, scanting internal affairs other than factionalism of church and state. And he cursorily suggests relief throughout the realm when at Ivan's death in 1584, the simpleton Fydor, his only surviving child, was left to carry on the House of Rurik.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Ivan the Terrible, one of Russia's most controversial tsars, has been much studied, but Bobrick sets out to incorporate recent scholarship into a biography for the layperson. Although the focus is on Ivan's personal and political life, the Muscovite world and international scene are described. Ivan's cruelty, mental instability, and destructive traits have been well documented, but Bobrick is rather restrained in presenting the horrors of Ivan's reign. He seeks to make the tsar's actions and policies comprehensible, and he usually succeeds. His attention to Ivan's relationships with contemporary monarchs and their own struggles provides a useful perspective. Enjoyable to read, this is recommended for general collections of all sizes. Rena Fowler, Northern Michigan Univ. Lib., Marquette
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 398 pages
• Publisher: Paragon House (November 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557782261
• ISBN-13: 978-1557782267
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,908,395 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ivan IV "The Terrible", July 5, 2003

By 

Jamal Nazir - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fearful Majesty: The Life and Reign of Ivan the Terrible (Paperback)

Ivan IV the Terrible a remarkable personality in the Russian history is discussed thoroughly in this excellent book. I found this book extremely informative since not one page goes by without adding more historical facts to your knowledge. The book, not only give facts on Ivan, but also elaborates on Russian history and culture, which I found very useful in understanding Ivan and his role in the Russian history. I think the author has done excellent job in writing a concise, succinct and very fact oriented, yet in a reader friendly and interesting tone. The book gives detailed accounts of Ivan's genealogy, childhood and reign. This book can be very informative for those individuals who seek a quick research on Ivan the Terrible. I recommend this book without any reservations.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars UTTERLY ABSORBING, POWERFUL BIOGRAPHY!!, May 3, 2005

By 

Aimee Thor "Aimee Thor" (Xenia, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fearful Majesty: The Life and Reign of Ivan the Terrible (Hardcover)

I could not put this biography down it was so interesting from the first page. There is a lot of technical stuff, but the author weaves an incredibly engaging story of Ivan the Terrible's reign and conquests, emotional, territorial, and spiritual. He was quite the character, rich in eccentricity and poor in basic ethics! The man was both devout and demonic, saintly and monstrously sinful. I loved this biography and would read it again just because I learned so much about Russian in the 1500's.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great book about a terrible man, July 21, 2005

By 

Steven Larsen (Philadelphia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fearful Majesty: The Life and Reign of Ivan the Terrible (Hardcover)

Very accessible bio of Russia's most enigmatic leader. Ivan was brilliant, cruel, and at times cowardly, and all his sides are exposed here. There is much information on his Oprichniki and the horror they brought to the land. The endless campaigns, fought on all sides of the Russian border against Poland, Sweden, Tartars, and Ottomans are given brief but solid treatment. The seige of Pskov, the burning of moscow, the battles with the tartars all make for thrilling reading. Of equal interest are Ivan's theological debates with foreigners, where he clearly shows his intelligence and learning. Ivan's penchant for torture is shown and requires a strong stomach to read. Lets not forget the conquest of Siberia and so many other things happening at this time. Bobrick has managed to fit so much in one volume, with hardly a wasted word. Great book.