London: Thames and Hudson, 1978. First edition (presumed; no earlier dates stated). Octavo in black DJ; 207 p, [8] leaves of b&w plates; 23 cm. Several faint scratches to DJ, few spots to rear pastedown, else fine in near fine DJ. Hardcover.Russia -- Kings and rulers; Government -- Biography. Peter the great (9 June 1672 – 8 February 1725) ruled the Tsardom of Russia and later the Russian Empire from 7 May 1682 until his death, jointly ruling before 1696 with his half-brother. In numerous successful wars he expanded the Tsardom into a huge empire that became a major European power. According to historian James Cracraft, he led a cultural revolution that replaced the traditionalist and medieval social and political system with a modern, scientific, Europe-oriented, and rationalist system.
