The key theme uniting the diversity of plots in Tolstoy's work proved to be the theme of Russia. Reflections on its destiny also permeate the novel "Peter the First" — the finest example of the historical novel genre in Soviet literature. Tolstoy meticulously studied documentary sources, but said that "a historical novel cannot be written in the form of a chronicle." At the center of the novel is the image of Peter I, the ruler of a vast country who possesses a strong and persistent character and ensures his decisions are carried out. In this edition, the text of the novel is accompanied by magnificent illustrations by Dementy Shmarinov. The key theme uniting the diversity of plots in Tolstoy's work proved to be the theme of Russia. Reflections on its destiny also permeate the novel "Peter the First" — the finest example of the historical novel genre in Soviet literature. Tolstoy meticulously studied documentary sources, but said that "a historical novel cannot be written in the form of a chronicle." At the center of the novel is the image of Peter I, the ruler of a vast country who possesses a strong and persistent character and ensures his decisions are carried out. In this edition, the text of the novel is accompanied by magnificent illustrations by Dementy Shmarinov. Emperor Peter the Great is one of the key figures in Russian history. A reforming Tsar who cut a window to Europe, a builder and shipwright, a commander and conqueror — this is how we are accustomed to imagining him. It would seem difficult to add new strokes to this portrait. However, one should also recall his predecessors, the difficult path to the throne, the complex family relationships, and, of course, the turbulent events of his life; without this, the portrait of the monarch who turned the Russian state into a powerful European power would remain incomplete. The contradictory and undoubtedly great personality of Peter has left a profound mark on domestic and world history, and interest in him does not wane with time.
Author: Aleksey Tolstoy
Illustrations: Dementy Shmarinov
Pages: 768 (offset). Hardcover
Dimensions: 140x210 mm
Series: Russian Literature. Big Books
