Down through the centuries Russia has been divided between the traditional values of the East and the forces of Western progress. No man more typifies this split than Peter the Great. It was this incredibly dynamic ruler who first opened Russia's doors to the West. Yet he himself embodied much of the despotism of Russia's Asiatic heritage.

Peter's reign was born amid bitter conflict. He was only ten when, in 1862, he first became embroiled in an inter-family struggle for the Russian crown. In spite of intrigue, treachery and betrayal, by the time he was twenty-three he was the sole ruler of his nation and was leading armies into battle.

The Westernization of Russia was the overwhelming purpose of the young Tsar's life, and the sea was the key to his plans. Ordering all young aristocrats to study in Europe, he disguised himself as a carpenter and went to Holland and England to learn the art of shipbuilding. Turkey on the Black Sea and Sweden on the Baltic had to be vanquished if Russia was to gain seaports, and Peter's army and navy had to learn the bitter lessons of years of defeat before at last tasting victory.

Above this turbulent panorama of battle and change loomed the mighty figure of the Tsar. Battling the foes of Russia expansion abroad, he also turned his wrath on all who opposed his decrees of progress at home, suppressing all debate with violent force. As a symbol of triumph and hope for the future, he built a new capitol city, St. Petersburg, on the shore of the Baltic. Today that city is named Leningrad.

Brilliantly capturing the drama of history, this is the story of the extraordinary and complex man who was the greatest of all the Tsars.

From the dust jacket