PETER THE GREAT
Books | Web Sites
For Teachers
Chronicle of the Russian Tsars: The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Rulers of Imperial Russia by David Warnes. (Thames and Hudson, 1999)
A detailed look at the history of Russia and its rulers.
A History of Russia. 7th ed. by Nicholas Riasanovsky. (Oxford University Press, 2004)
The book presents Russia, from its origins, to the building of an empire, to Soviet Russia and beyond.
Peter the Great by Robert Massie. (Ballantine, 1981)
The story of the extraordinary leader, against the backdrop of 17th and 18th century Russia and Europe.
Russia in the Age of Peter the Great by Lindsey Hughes. (Yale University Press, 1998)
A thorough examination of the complex life and times of Peter the Great. See also Peter the Great, a biography by the same author (Yale University Press, 2004).
St. Petersburg by Catherine Phillips. (DK, 2003)
A fully illustrated travel guide to the city.
The Revolution of Peter the Great by James Cracraft. (Harvard University Press, 2003)
A scholarly study, this book focuses on Peter's accomplishments.
For Students
Fiction
Anastasia, The Last Grand Duchess by Carolyn Meyer. (Scholastic, 2000)
The Royal Diaries series. A fictional account of the last four years in the life of Anastasia, the final descendant of Peter the Great.
Angel on the Square by Gloria Whelan. (HarperCollins, 2001)
The events that lead to the revolution that toppled Tsar Nicholas, the last of Peter's line to rule Russia, affect the young daughter of a lady-in-waiting.
Avram's Gift by Margie Blumberg. (MB Publishing, 2003)
Grandpa Morris tells Mark stories of his family's life in Russia and their move to the United States.
The Dream Stealer by Gregory Maguire. (Harper & Row, 1983)
Legend says that every generation or so, a wolf with superior powers will come to steal dreams. Just such a wolf is stalking the village of Miersk. How can two ordinary children like Lisette and Pasha defeat this beast?
The Flying Witch by Jane Yolen. (HarperCollins, 2003)
When she finds a girl in the forest, Baba Yaga thinks she has just the ingredient required for tasty soup.
The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring by Ruth Sanderson. (Little, Brown, 2001)
Elements from three classic Russian folktales combine to create a story of magic, bravery, and love.
The Tale of the Firebird by Gennady Spirin. (Philomel, 2002)
When the tsar's third son discovers that a firebird has been stealing golden apples, he travels to faraway lands to find it.
Nonfiction
100 Military Leaders Who Changed the World by Samuel Willard Crompton. (World Almanac Library, 2003)
Short biographies, including Peter the Great, highlight major accomplishments and battles.
Cooking the Russian Way by Gregory and Rita Plotkin. (Lerner, 2003)
Information about Russia, its history, traditional foods, holidays, and festivals. Includes a recipe for blinis.
Moscow by Philip Steele. (World Almanac Library, 2004)
An overview of Russia's capital, the largest city in Europe.
Peter the Great by Diane Stanley. (Morrow, 1986)
Peter's boyhood, his travels, and his accomplishments are told in lively words and pictures.
Peter the Great and Tsarist Russia by Miriam Greenblatt. (Marshall Cavendish, 2000)
A description of Peter the Great and everyday life in his time, as well as excerpts from Russian writers.
Russia by Kathleen Berton Murrell. (Knopf, 1998)
Eyewitness books. An introduction to Russia, including architecture, costumes, icons, Fabergé eggs, ballet, and more.
Russia by Neil Wilson. (Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 2001)
The vastness of the country is described, as well as its history, economy, arts, and what lies ahead.
The Creation of St. Petersburg
http://europeanhistory.about.com/library/weekly/aa021201a.htm
A quick overview of St. Petersburg's creation, including notes about the architecture and geography of the city.
The Hermitage
http://hermitagemuseum.org/html_En/03/hm3_6_2.html
Visit Russia's state museum and view objects and paintings owned by Peter the Great. Includes a virtual tour of Peter the Great's Winter Palace.
History of St. Petersburg
http://www.saint-petersburg.com/
This travel guide includes history, fun facts, and photographs of St. Petersburg.
Russian Food
http://www.waytorussia.net/WhatIsRussia/RussianFood.html
Learn about the main components of Russian food and try a few of the recipes for traditional dishes.