The Life & Times Of Catherine The Great (Biography from Ancient Civilizations) (Biography from Ancient Civilizations: Legends, Folklore, and Stories of Ancient Worlds) [Library Binding]

Karen Bush Gibson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2005 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Biography from Ancient Civilizations: Legends, Folklore, and Stories of Ancient Worlds

Considered one of the greatest female rulers, Catherine the Great was a German princess who ruled Russia for 34 years. She introduced reforms in government that led to widespread education, advances in medical care, and improvements in the legal system. Catherine was a voracious reader, and she took many ideas from her reading. She was particularly influenced by writers of the Enlightenment that focused on natural law and science. As one of Russia’s longest rulers, she introduced arts and culture to Russia. Today’s Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is one the greatest art museums in the world. Catherine the Great’s influence led to the development of Russia as a world power in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-8–Why would Charlemagne (742-814) and Catherine the Great of Russia (1729-1796) qualify for a series on Ancient Civilizations? These misplaced biographies include abbreviated family trees (with no dates) and one inadequate map. Both titles suffer from awkward, choppy writing; unexplained references and unanswered questions; and major omissions (Gibson refers to Potemkin only as Catherine's adviser, not her lover; Whiting doesn't include much on Charlemagne's contributions to law or his private life). In addition, Charlemagne includes a picture of Muhammad, which is unacceptable to Muslims. Catherine has far more flaws, among them fictionalizing in the first chapter; an incomplete and inconsistent index, with some individuals listed under first name and some under surname; and a genealogical error, claiming that Catherine and her husband Peter were first cousins (they were second cousins).–Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
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About the Author

Karen Bush Gibson has been a freelance writer for more than 16 years. She has had many articles published in such publications as Boys’ Life, Backpacker and Army Times. She also teaches writing. With a special gift for telling a story, Ms. Gibson is the author of more than 20 educational books for children. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three sons.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Library Binding: 48 pages
• Publisher: Mitchell Lane Publishers (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584153474
• ISBN-13: 978-1584153474
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,131,877 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Karen Bush Gibson enjoys learning new things and having a job where no two days are ever the same. Luckily that coupled with a love of writing has led to her being the author of 30+ non-fiction books for children. She also writes travel, parenting, and advertising features. In June 2012, her adult mystery, "A Class on Murder" as K.B. Gibson) will be released. She is also a member of Sisters of Crime and the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars The Life & Times of Catherine the Great, March 29, 2010

By 

Sharon D. Reed (Cleveland, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Life & Times Of Catherine The Great (Biography from Ancient Civilizations) (Biography from Ancient Civilizations: Legends, Folklore, and Stories of Ancient Worlds) (Library Binding)

I was very disappointed when I received this book. To receive a tiny little thin book that looks like something a child would read after paying a whopping $29.00 (way too much money for something of this caliber.) I actually called customer service to find out how I could ship it back as it came with NO RETURN SHIPPING LABEL INSIDE the large brown envelope.

To make a long story short, I would NOT recommend this to anyone who thinks they are going to receive a biography on this great lady. I have to honestly say it is not worth it.

The customer service person did email me a printed out return label but where we live in the mountains to find a UPS place is impossible so I am stuck with this fimsy little book. I also have to say it is the very first time in years that I have not been happy with my purchase of a book through Amazon.

5.0 out of 5 stars Catherine THE GREAT, truthfully told!, August 4, 2009

By 

Barbara Stienstra (Goshen, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life & Times Of Catherine The Great (Biography from Ancient Civilizations) (Biography from Ancient Civilizations: Legends, Folklore, and Stories of Ancient Worlds) (Library Binding)

When I was in academia, every so often a student would come in with an inquiry about a monarch (often confused with Queen Victoria, who they usually thought was the "offending party" but incorrect -- Catherine the Great was the victim)
with regard to a "particular" horse "adventure" which has been discredited.
Someone went to return this book at the library and I decided to take the time to read it. Prior to, I only knew of the non-existent horse incident. What a shame not appreciating her many achievements. She was a historic figure to be admired not vulgarized. A very significant read, I highly recommend.