This book is a biography that the Pulitzer Prize winner took eight years to write. It explains the life of Empress Catherine by researching previously unknown or difficult-to-obtain historical materials. It tells the story of Empress Catherine, the daughter of a poor foreign nobleman, who came to Russia to become a grand duchess due to a political marriage. After 18 years, Catherine seized the throne through a palace coup. During his 34 years in power, he launched wars, hoarded art, gathered ideas, and expanded his territory, bringing Russia into a period of strength.
This book is based on Catherine's own "Memoirs", personal letters, government documents and circumstantial historical materials. This book is based on first-hand historical materials and pays attention to the restoration of historical facts. The image of Catherine presented in the book has both political ambition and personal characteristics.
