Robert K. Massie

Context:

Massie's biography of Peter the Great was heavily relied upon throughout the series. The host describes it as 'one of the most capacious and incredibly readable, swashbuckling story' and quotes its final lines about Peter being 'a force of nature.'

Context:

Dominic references 'a lovely description of this in Robert K. Mass's book on Peter the Great' when describing Charles XII's appearance after the battle at Bender against the Turks.

Context:

Referred to as Peter's great biographer, Massie is quoted as saying that while Narva was Charles's first great victory, it was also the first step towards his doom.

Context:

Referred to multiple times as a key biography of Peter the Great, including a quote about Peter's companions at Lefort's house and discussion of Massie's view on Peter's elimination of the Streltsy.

Context:

Dominic describes it as 'a wonderful book about Peter the Great' and quotes from it multiple times, including vivid passages about the Streltsy massacre on the red staircase.

Context:

Referenced as 'his biography of Peter the Great' - discussed Russian attitudes toward beards and Peter the Great's beard tax