
The History of Peter the Great, Emperor of Russia
The Tsar who Transformed Russia: A Historical BiographyBy VoltaireLength11h 7m
About this audiobook
In "The History of Peter the Great, Emperor of Russia," Voltaire presents a nuanced and engaging narrative that traverses the life of one of history's most influential monarchs. Written in the Enlightenment style, the book employs a blend of anecdote, satire, and historical analysis to examine Peter's reforms, military conquests, and the transformative ambitions that reshaped Russia into a European power. Voltaire's characteristic wit and eloquence illuminate the complexities of Peter's character and his drive to modernize his empire against a backdrop of superstitions and traditionalism, effectively situating the work within contemporary debates about governance and progress. Voltaire, a luminary of the Enlightenment, was deeply influenced by the prevailing philosophies of rationality, empiricism, and human rights. His experiences in the courts of Europe and sharp critiques of arbitrary rule undoubtedly informed his portrayal of Peter the Great, as the author grappled with the delicate balance between autocratic power and the aspirations of modernity. Having witnessed the upheaval of the French court, Voltaire cleverly juxtaposes despotism with Enlightenment ideals, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of authority. This compelling biography is not only a historical account but also a timeless reflection on leadership and governance. Recommended for scholars and general readers alike, Voltaire's work offers profound insights into the ambition and complexities of one man's vision for an empire, deftly intertwining historical rigor with philosophical inquiry.
Audiobook details
GenreBiography and Memoir
Length11 hrs 7 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateMay 18, 2021
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1CHAP. II.
25CHAP. XXI.
2OF THE TITLE OF CZAR.
26CHAP. XXII.
3RELIGION.
27CHAP. XXIII.
4Conclusion of the State of RUSSIA before PETER the GREAT.
28CHAP. XXIV.
5CHAP. III.
29CHAP. XXV.
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6ALEXIS MICHAELOWITZ.
30CHAP. XXVI.
7FŒDOR, or THEODORE ALEXIOWITZ.
31CHAP. XXVII.
8CHAP. IV.
32CHAP. XXVIII.
9CHAP. V.
33CHAP. XXIX.
10CHAP. VI.
34CHAP. XXX.
11CHAP. VII.
35CHAP. XXXI.
12CHAP. VIII.
36Of the Trade with China.
13CHAP. IX.
37Of the Trade of PETERSBURG, and the other ports of the RUSSIAN EMPIRE.
14CHAP. X.
38CHAP. XXXII.
15CHAP. XI.
39CHAP. XXXIII.
16CHAP. XII.
40CHAP. XXXIV.
17CHAP. XIII.
41CHAP. XXXV.
18CHAP. XIV.
42CHAP. XXXVI.
19CHAP. XV.
43ORIGINAL PIECES RELATIVE TO THIS HISTORY, AGREEABLE TO THE TRANSLATIONS MADE AT THEIR FIRST PUBLICATION, BY ORDER OF CZAR PETER I.
20CHAP. XVI.
44SENTENCE Pronounced against the Czarowitz Alexis, June 24th, 1718.
21CHAP. XVII.
45THE PEACE OF NYSTADT.
22CHAP. XVIII.
46Ordinance of the Emperor Peter I. for the crowning of the Empress Catherine.
23CHAP. XIX.
47FOOTNOTES:: The Czar's Declaration.
24CHAP. XX.