Peter the Great and the West: New Perspectives (Studies in Russian and East European History)

This book addresses particular aspects of the Grand Embassy and sets the Petrine reforms in their context, providing a basis for analysis of their impact on issues of modernization and westernization. The relationship between Peter and Britain is examined from both perspectives. Maritime history is considered in detail with emphasis on Peter's appropriation of development in Western science. The issue of Russia's orientation between East and West, evident even in changes in the style of portraiture, was crucial to military and diplomatic issues in Peter's reign.