Most history books focus on the issues that shape world events — the wars, the assassinations, the elections, the revolutions, etc. A few weave the personal lives of the people involved into the narrative. But few books go deep into the everyday issues of life that world leaders experience.

Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie is the exception. This detailed book looks at Catherine the Great, who ruled Russia in much of the 1700’s, from a personal perspective. And specifically her role as a woman leader.

To history buffs, this might at times be frustrating. For instance, there would be a whole chapter on the process of finding a bride for her son and heir apparent. But then a throw away sentence or two that says something like, “And two years later they declared war on Sweden.” I want to hear about the war, not the palace intrigue and who is sleeping with who. At times the book reads like a Hollywood gossip magazine.

But it does paint a compelling picture of the woman who is widely considered one of the great monarchs in history. Catherine brought culture to Russia, from architecture to artwork. She improved medical care, established schools, and pushed the enlightenment ideals as best as she could. Tough as nails (she led a coup against her husband to take power of Russia) and cunning in politics, Catherine was a curious mix of traits. She deserves a book like this because it brings out all of those characteristics and honors her as a woman.

I enjoyed this book, but I think others might enjoy it even more. This is not straight history but instead shows how personalities and passions can drive history. And Catherine is a fascinating person to write about who clearly drove history.