Written In English
This is a beautifully preserved 19th-century volume titled A Memoir of the Life of Peter the Great, published in London by John Murray and Thomas Tegg. Likely printed between 1835 and 1845, this is the fifth edition of a concise yet compelling biography of Peter the Great, Tsar of Russia. The book explores his early life, the power struggles surrounding his ascension, his sweeping reforms to modernize Russia, and his transformative travels to Western Europe. Notably, it highlights Peter’s time in Holland and England, where he studied shipbuilding and diplomacy to bring Western innovations back to Russia. Written during a time when British readers were captivated by tales of empire-building and enlightened monarchs, this biography reflects 19th-century interest in strong leadership and modernization.
The book is elegantly bound with a richly gilt-decorated spine featuring five raised bands and a red leather title label, typical of high-quality bindings from the period. The marbled paper boards, paired with a quarter leather binding, add to its visual appeal, and the matching marbled fore-edges and endpapers show an attention to craftsmanship. A standout detail is the bookplate of Francis Marion Crawford, a well-known 19th-century American novelist, suggesting a notable provenance.
Condition:
Internally, the book is structurally sound with age-appropriate wear: light foxing is visible throughout, particularly on the frontispiece and title page, and the engraved portrait of Peter the Great remains bold and detailed. Overall, the book is in very good condition for its age, with a striking exterior and stable interior, making it both a collector’s piece and a historical artifact worth cherishing.
