Peter the Great

His Life and World

By: Robert K. Massie

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson

Length: 43 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

This superbly told story brings to life one of the most remarkable rulers––and men––in all of history and conveys the drama of his life and world. The Russia of Peter's birth was very different from the Russia his energy, genius, and ruthlessness shaped. Crowned co-Tsar as a child of ten, after witnessing bloody uprisings in the streets of Moscow, he would grow up propelled by an unquenchable curiosity, everywhere looking, asking, tinkering, and learning, fired by Western ideas.

We see Peter in his 20s traveling "incognito" with his ambassadors to the courts of Europe; as the victorious soldier proclaimed Emperor; as the simple workman at his forge; and as the visionary statesman who single-handedly created a formidable world power. Impetuous and stubborn, bawdy and stern, relentless in his perseverance, he was capable of the greatest generosity and the greatest cruelty.

©1980 Robert K. Massie (P)1991 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Enthralling.... As fascinating as any novel and more so than most!" ( New York Times Book Review)

Fascinating Character

If you could sum up Peter the Great in three words, what would they be?

Very well done

What did you like best about this story?

The book was exhaustively researched and the author presents a fluid and insightful presentation of Peter. Listeners not familiar with the time period are brought up to speed before the author begins the next chapter in the story. Fascinating characters and dangerous times combine for great storytelling!

Which character – as performed by Frederick Davidson – was your favorite?

Peter the Great of course. He made every effort to live like a common worker while still being the Czar and wielder of supreme power.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Peter the Great, the most powerful common man in history.

Any additional comments?

Very well written. Above all, a great story.

Accent Fatigue

Where does Peter the Great rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Most educational. Almost gruelingly so.

What other book might you compare Peter the Great to and why?

Similar to "John Adams" for the important historical information each imparts.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

I liked the timbre of the voice…but the heavy, heavy formal British accent almost killed me. I got so fatigued, after a while, listening to Mr. Davidson's drawn, then clipped, drawn again King's English I felt compelled to ask my imaginary Pat Sajak if I could buy an R. Picture Professor Henry Higgins giving diction lessons to Rex Harrison. The cure, turns out, is small doses.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The descriptions of torture. I cried.

Any additional comments?

Take your medicine…in small doses.

Outstanding book!

The book was wonderful. Robert Massie is a brilliant writer. I was enchanted with the book from page 1 and could not stop reading it. agree that the narrator's accent and style were not the greatest. But the narrator is an acquired taste. I initially did not like the narrator but it did not take long before I began to enjoy him. And I had no problem understanding him.

Frederick Davidson narrates another stellar work

In fine fashion Frederick Davidson reads another great biography. So much Russian history is learned through the life of a legend, Peter the Great. Of course, we are long since removed from the humanity aspect of what it took Peter I to do in order to advance Russian society into the Industrial Age. Massie wrote that when the tsar died Russia had zero debt. He made the current Russian people pay for all of his enlightened energy and determination. It saved the Romanov dynasty for another 192 years after his death.

Fantastic in Every Way!

The character and world of Peter the Great come to life along with many other contemporaries. Although lengthy, it is worth the investment because it touches on so many interesting aspects of world politics, warfare and human nature.

History that Reads Like A Novel

Loved it even though a commitment. A book about Peter The Great who transformed his country sometimes with great thought, will, & yes brutality. The story primarily centers around Peter The Great & King Charles of Sweden.

What a force in 53 years!

This was such a deep dive and thorough explanation of such an influential and history making man.

GREAT history

A great historical narrative of Peter's life and much of the related history of related leaders and states and cultures. Massie gives much insight into Peter's character and drive, indicating his accomplishments and importance for the world.

Let's Invite Peter for Dinner

How many times has someone asked, "If you could meet any historical figure . . ." and you had so many names flash before your eyes, you couldn't make a decision? Well, Peter the Great is Numero Uno for me after having listened to this book. He not only dragged Russia into the modern world, he was a wild man, with boundless curiosity, intelligence, and energy. He didn't care about society's dictates. He didn't care about ceremony, tradition, or rituals.He mocked courtly behavior and the Church. In many ways he was like an out-of-control fraternity boy. He drank too much and partied to the point where no one could keep up with him. At 6'7", he traveled throughout Europe "incognito," not wanting royalty to acknowledge him as he visited their country to learn all he could to improve the life of his countrymen.

This book does not limit itself to Peter the Great. It's about his era, and it was fascinating. I can't recommend it enough.

As for the narrator, is it possible this man lisps, and no one ever noticed?!

Wonderful Story, Disturbing Reader.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend that this book be read in book form or as an ebook. It’s sad to say, but this reader has an irritating lisp that keeps jarring my ear, and requires me to constantly translate what I’m hearing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Peter the Great?

I love the descriptive passages by Robert Massie, and want to read more of his histories.

Would you be willing to try another one of Frederick Davidson’s performances?

I would defiantly not want another book read by him.