Ivan the Terrible

de Madariaga Isabel

This compelling biography is the first to encompass the entire life of Ivan the Terrible and to view him in the context of his own time. Notorious for a policy of unrestrained terror – and for killing his own son – his reign was devastating for Russia and her people. The book illuminates the reign and the politics, as well as Ivan's marriages and disordered personality.

About the Author

Isabel de Madariaga is emeritus professor of Russian Studies in the University of London.

Reviews

"One can only admire the confident way in which she neatly picks her way through each historiographical thicket... Isabel de Madariaga's achievement deserves the highest praise, and one can only wish her more years of active scholarship" – Paul Dukes, Slavonic & East European Review

"Isabel de Madariaga's biography trawls through the surprisingly thin records of his life and times to assess the truth behind the myths. A scrupulous scholar, she has written a book that makes brilliant use of the material at her disposal" – The Sunday Times

Back to the list of books