In this thought-provoking book internationally renowned experts mark the anniversary of Peter I's visit to England in 1698. They explore British-Russian relations - Peter in England, Russian apprentices, British ships and maritime technology in Peter's navy, forest surveys, British views of Russia, Scottish influences - and widen the focus to look at the Baltic question, the motives behind the founding of St Petersburg, and the 1695-6 Azov campaigns. From a glimpse of Russian court life through private letters, portraits of Peter and a description of Catherine I's household to over-views of...

This magisterial book is a history of Peter the Great and the Russia he governed. It not only investigates Peter's life and legacy but also explains the impact of the Tsar Reformer on Petrine Russia's foreign policy, economy, governing institutions, society, culture and educational system. 'The most comprehensive study of Petrine Russia available in English.' Richard Pipes, The New Republic 'Thanks to Hughes's beautifully written book, for the first time the English-speaking reader is provided with a sufficiently full and just account of the events and institutions of Peter's reign ... Her...