This is an auction for CATHERINE THE GREAT by Zoe Oldenbourg.

Amazon.com reviews:

"FIVE STARS!! Zoe Oldenbourg has been well served by her translator(s). All of her books, fiction and non-fiction, are readable without any sense of a translator standing between author and reader. Catherine the Great is a character study of Catherine II, Empress of Russia from 1762 until 1796. Although sympathetic, particularly to the young princess Sophia Augusta Fredericka of Anhalt-Zerbst, the study is critical of the policies of the autocrat as regards the mass of Russians. Despite her high self-regard and reputation for enlightenment, Catherine probably hurt more than helped her average subjects. She did, however, build the Russian state as a power to be reckoned with."

"FIVE STARS! This book is mostly about Catherine's life before her rule began. She was from a minor noble family in Germany and taken to Russia for an arranged marriage to Peter the Great's nephew. The marriage was a catastrophe, but both had their affairs on the side, really in plain view of all. She had children, although none was thought to be sired by her husband, and she was not at all a loving or devoted mother. She was well-read, loved Russia (her husband was a loyal German and hated Russia), and wanted the best for her country. Her husband was hated by all, especially the military, because he was loyal to Frederick the Great, Russia's foe in war. When he was assassinated, she became ruler. This interesting book tells a lot about the shenanigans behind the nobility's and palace doors."

More very favourable reviews on Amazon.com.

Hardback 1965.

356 pages.

Photographs and other illustrations.

Very good condition.

The cost of shipping is $6.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.