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)

Terrific.

This history of Peter the Great reminded me of the way Robert A. Caro writes his Lyndon Johnson biography. It contains all the significant and fascinating historical documentation but rather than the common run of dry and desiccated marshaling of "facts" as is the misfortune of most of this type of genre, this one is a narrative gem. I felt like I was a fly on the wall observing the conversations and the interactions, the personal struggles and triumphs of the subject for whom I've never had much interest. I finished the book feeling like I glimpsed Peter the Great as a person rather than a historical figure and I enjoyed the book thoroughly. Also while Frederick Davidson's urbane British accent might not be for everyone, I personally find him a superb narrator. His pacing is excellent, he doesn't sound like he is gathering saliva in his mouth ( something I can't stand) and pronunciation of all foreign names and terms is IMPECCABLE, something that cannot be said of most other narrators.

Factual account, but slow moving.

Yes, the thick, nasally accent of the english narrator diminishes the listening experience and sometimes gets annoying when listening about the "t-sar", but it's not as bad as people say. The book is VERY long and somewhat slow, but as an American, it is interesting to learn about the history of a great country/dynasty we are taught nothing about. It seems Peter the Great and those after brought Russia out of the "dark ages" and was responsible for much of the great monuments and estates that still exist there. Somewhat of an Alexander the Great who created a more modern day Roman empire in a way. Overall a pretty good book about his reign with a decent amount of background history before his rule. The part about his "secret" travels to Europe while still a young man to learn "Western" practices and concepts was particularly interesting. I can only rate it 3 stars because it is just too slow moving and the narrator detracts from it. An abridged version with a different narrator might be 5-star material.

Interesting History

A very good, riveting narrative of the fascinating and violent life of Peter the Great. I opted to

Peter the Great excellent book!

Wonderful book with a VERY thorough history of Peter the Great. The author did an unbelievable amount research into Peter's writings as well as the writings of all the other characters involved in his life. Very detailed book but fascinating.

Extraordinary story and narration

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

The book if a full and colorful history of Peter the Great. Frederick Davidson is one of the best narrators I have ever listened to.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It's very long.

HORRIBLE HORRIBLE NARATOR

I have read the book. Maddie brings history to non-historians. He is a good read. The narrator! He sounds like a British radio announcer from the 1940’s. Sounds condescending and the cadence is off & annoying. Maddie deserves better.

Epic

A beautiful history not only of the man, Peter the Great, but also of his time in history. It provides a wonderful picture of the time period. what they ate, what they wore, how they lived. Detailed pictures of the rulers of his time. The landscape and culture of the cities in the capitols of the world at that time. Fascinating. Narrator is excellent, as per usual.

The best book I've ever read!

Robert K. Massie is my favorite historical writer. I was happy to find the biography of Peter The Great at Audible! If the length of the paperback book and this audio book intimidates you give it a chance! I sure am glad I did. I had no problem with the narrator. It was nice to have since the book does have maps that one needs to see. I could study these maps while the narrator spoke. I learned so much from this book. Some complain it is too long and they skimmed parts of the book. That is like trying build a house and leaving off a wall. You need to read/listen the entire book to fully appreciate Peter the Great. I was so sad when it ended but I am positive I will read/listen to it again!

I love this narrator.

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

No, it's history and 60 hours long. I don't think i have any friends that would be interested.

Who was your favorite character and why?

....Peter the Great

Have you listened to any of Frederick Davidson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Love the guy, he's always awesome.

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

....Peter the Great

Review from Jim S. M.A

I found this biography of peter great to be one of the best I have ever heard. My knowledge of this era was very sketchy but this book filled in a lot of historical gaps. I really enjoyed Fredrickson's narration I have also heard him narrate Ivanhoe and several other works this is well worth the time and money