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)

Not for everyone........

What did you love best about Peter the Great?

It is a wonderful book about Peter the Great, if you're into the 17th and 18th centuries. But be for warned this is about russia and there's a lot of russian names. I say this because the narrator pronounces them (I'm assuming correctly) and keeps on going, whether you have had to time to digest them of not. I read several of the the reviews stating they couldn't understand the narrator. I have no idea where they get that. I have listened to well more than half of the book and have had no difficulty with the narration. The time Massie took doing research must have been incredible. Especially when you consider this was written during the USSR days. It's truly incredible! Great book if you like in depth detailed historys!

Crazy and brilliant

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

a good tour of a great man, great in the sense of large, powerful, world-changing, not in the spiritual sense!

What did you like best about this story?

The view of Russia at that point in time, and getting to know Peter's arch-nemesis Charles the 5th of Sweden. We need a good English-language bio of him, now!

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

We Will Be Modern (and have ships)

An enjoyable listen: solid on use of authorative s

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes: particularly if I knew that my friend had an interest in Russian and European history.

What did you like best about this story?

It explained in detail why Peter is regarded as "The great" and much insight was provided into the European power struggles from the late Seventeen Century.

What aspect of Frederick Davidson’s performance would you have changed?

The tempo - sometimes ponderous and a little too much of the Oxbridge.

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

The determination to build St Petersburg as the new capital of Russia.

Any additional comments?

This is the second of Massey's books purchased from Audible. I plan to buy and read more of them: Massey's style is lively, informative and it seems that every attempt is made to research thoroughly and to represent issues in a fair and balanced manner.

Understanding Russia

Would you consider the audio edition of Peter the Great to be better than the print version?

Unknown

What did you like best about this story?

This book has provided me a better insight into the culture that is Russia. The history of these people, as related to Peter, gives you specifics of the customs, and perspectives of these people. After seeing their perceptions, I now understand why they see us the way they do. Outstanding book.

I can't hear you

I returned this book. I tried to listen; I tried for 7 hours, but the narrater (Frederick Davidson) never improved. I had to listen at regular speed - going faster would have been a nightmare.
*** His voice is very modulated and at the end of some sentences he drops his volume so low or becomes so inarticulate as to be almost inaudible. ***
I have good hearing (age 64), but I looked up how to return a book because my uncle (early 80's) found it much too difficult to decipher. The story wasn't captivating enough to put up with the frustrations of having to guess what the author was sayin, so I returned my book as well. We had both been reading because a cousin had read it (actually read, not listened to) to understand the background of current Russia.

Narcissistic lisper ruined the narration

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Obviously from the headline, the narrator.

What did you like best about this story?

The details the author gleaned from so long ago gives the people of history life.

What didn’t you like about Frederick Davidson’s performance?

The affected, selective lisp. In many instances I could not even understand what word he was saying. Throughout the book, he occasionally said his s normally but usually tried real hard to lisp. It didn't even sound like a lisp sometimes but some childish rendition of a lisp. Leave your need for attention at home, Mr Davidson. Listeners are interested in what the author is saying, not in what you are saying. It is hard to believe that Blackstone didn't stop very early on in the process and get someone else. When he said his name at the end of the recording he pronounced his last name perfectly.

What else would you have wanted to know about Robert K. Massie’s life?

What? The book is about Peter the Great, not Robert Massie

Any additional comments?

This is somewhat like a history book but many personal details from letters written at the time brought it to a very interesting level. People definitely thought differently about many things. Some things haven't changed. Leaders of countries continue making huge decisions contrary to the welfare of the people supporting them.

Great Historic Story (with exception)

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Since my undergraduate and graduate studies concentrated on Europe and the west, I was excited to learn about Peter the Great, and the making of the Russian state. Generally, I become totally rapt when learning something new. That said, the narrator made this a particularly arduous task.

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

Watching a young man on the brink of adulthood become a force to be reckoned with was fascinating.

He had many

How did the narrator detract from the book?

This book, which was long and complicated, was not served by the supercilious and condescending voice of the reader, who stumbled over the names of Russian towns and assumed a weird feminine voice when quoting from letters written at that time.

Was Peter the Great worth the listening time?

Although the history is fascinating, I hesitate to recommend this book because the narrator was so hard to listen to.

Massive Massie work spottily read.

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

I have been ambivalent ever since I heard his first narration. His diction in this book is rather poor with him swallowing the end of almost every sentence.

Was Peter the Great worth the listening time?

I'm finding it a rather tough go.

History at its best!

One of the best books you will ever read! Exquisitely researched and well told, this is an epic story about one of the great figures of history. In its pages, one sees Peter lead Russia out of the dark ages as many of the great themes of human character are played out. Not only that, but but one also gets a terrific panoramic view of Europe as the foundations are being laid for the modern age. A truly wonderful book!

Interesting, violent

Would you try another book from Robert K. Massie and/or Frederick Davidson?

No

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sophia, described in most detail; she is cunning and central to the history.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Frederick Davidson?

The narrator was appropriate.

Did Peter the Great inspire you to do anything?

Turn off the ipod, as there were children in our car.

Any additional comments?

Very long and detailed, but that reflects the history.
Could not concentrate on the road, listen and drive safely.
Not a relaxing trip through history of Russia.