Possibly one of the best books I have ever read. I have read it multiple times and with no doubt will read it again. Massey pulls the reader into the age of fire and steel, and anyone can read this book. You don’t need a fascination of history because Massey writes this book like a novel. Really Great.

Now I know why they call him Peter the Great. It would take the accomplishments of our four best presidents to match his accomplishments for his country. Then add a little of Alexander the Great, Admiral Horatio Nelson, Martin Luther, and John Belushi, and one can begin to round out this Character. But what makes this a great book is the "photographic memory" of its author. Its as though he was actually there. The detailing of other fascinating characters such as Sweden's Charles XII, Louis the XIV, the Duke of Marlborough, The Sultans and their harems was rich and added more grandeur to the tapestry. But its the way the story is told of the great man that make this book a masterpiece. Massey pulls no punches in describing the rage, cruelty and shortcomings of the Tsar, but he puts those in context of the age. Peter was also shy humble, frugal, sensitive, relentlessly curious, indefatigable, tender, loyal, silly, brave, daring, incredibly broadminded, practical and oh yea, he was a hellraising cavoter! By the end of the book It seemed like the Tsar lived in my house, and now he is without a doubt one of my favorite historical characters. This book is the "Peter the Great" of biographies.

Incredibly informative and interesting. The characters are richly described and come to life. Highly recommended to anyone interested in Russian or European history. Enjoyable.

Third time reading it. I was happy to see it in e-format.