Fearful Majesty: The Life & Reign of Ivan the Terrible by Benson Bobrick, Ivan the Terrible

Publishers Weekly

The 16th century of Ivan is explored here at wearing length. Writing prose of a gloominess that matches the era, Bobrick (Labyrinths of Iron) presents Russian history going back to Christianization in A.D. 988 before birthing Ivan in 1530, then to his crowning in 1547 and marriage that same year to Anastasia, his ``little heifer'' who bore him six children before she was poisoned mysteriously in 1560 (second wife Maria met a like fate). Ivan's reformist reign turned despotic following Anastasia's death, as, at home, he established the Oprichniki, storm-troopers who implemented his decrees, and, to expand his territory, warred with the Tartars, Poland, Sweden and Lithuania while establishing diplomatic relationships with England. In 1582, Ivan was to see his 25-year drive to the Baltic end in defeat when, by treaty, he relinquished territory to Poland. Bobrick's focus is on militarism, scanting internal affairs other than factionalism of church and state. And he cursorily suggests relief throughout the realm when at Ivan's death in 1584, the simpleton Fydor, his only surviving child, was left to carry on the House of Rurik. (September)

Library Journal

Ivan the Terrible, one of Russia's most controversial tsars, has been much studied, but Bobrick sets out to incorporate recent scholarship into a biography for the layperson. Although the focus is on Ivan's personal and political life, the Muscovite world and international scene are described. Ivan's cruelty, mental instability, and destructive traits have been well documented, but Bobrick is rather restrained in presenting the horrors of Ivan's reign. He seeks to make the tsar's actions and policies comprehensible, and he usually succeeds. His attention to Ivan's relationships with contemporary monarchs and their own struggles provides a useful perspective. Enjoyable to read, this is recommended for general collections of all sizes. Rena Fowler, Northern Michigan Univ. Lib., Marquette

Product Details