Part 3, The Great Northern War, Chapters 28-33 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 28, "Menshikov and Catherine," examines the rise from obscurity of two people central to Peter's life. Calculating, greedy, talented Alexander Menshikov enters Peter's world through Lefort, rises through the ranks, receives titles and property, and makes enemies. After Lefort's death, Menshikov becomes Peter's best friend. He also introduces to Peter another Lithuania peasant, 19-year-old Martha Skavronskaya, renamed Catherine, who begins bearing Peter's children in 1705, quietly marries him in 1711 and with full pomp in 1712. Catherine keeps up with Peter's pace like no one else can and calms him by unconditional love. She travels with him and corresponds when he is on the road alone. Excerpts from their letters is included.

Chapter 29, "The Hand of the Autocrat," show Peter ever on the move, inspecting and commanding, needing to decree everything, and...