Catherine the Great, primarily known as Empress of Russia, authored works reflecting her enlightened thinking and political ideas. Her memoir, Memoirs of Catherine the Great, offers a personal look at her rule and vision for Russia.
If you enjoy reading books by Catherine the Great then you might also like the following authors:
Voltaire was known for his sharp wit and clever criticism of society and authority. In his book Candide, he used satirical humor to question optimism and explore human folly.
If you enjoyed Catherine the Great's thoughtful and inquisitive nature, you'll likely appreciate Voltaire's insightful look into human behavior and societal issues.
Denis Diderot was a philosopher who championed free thought and reason throughout his works. His novel Jacques the Fatalist humorously explores questions of fate and free will through engaging conversations and lively interactions between characters.
If Catherine's intellectual curiosity appeals to you, Diderot's playful yet profound insights may also resonate.
Frederick the Great was a ruler known not only for political leadership but also for his intellectual pursuits and sophisticated writings.
In his book Anti-Machiavel, Frederick outlines a more enlightened vision of ruling, critiquing earlier political theories and advocating justice and enlightened governance.
Fans of Catherine's embrace of new ideas might also admire Frederick's commitment to reasoned leadership and reform.
Madame de Sévigné is best remembered for her lively and witty letters that vividly capture life in 17th-century France. In her collection Selected Letters, she shares her observations and opinions on society, politics, and everyday events, painting a colorful picture of her era.
Readers who appreciate Catherine the Great's interest in cultural and social issues might find Madame de Sévigné's engaging correspondence similarly appealing.
Lady Mary Wortley Montagu provided sharp, insightful commentary on her travels and foreign culture in the 18th century. Her work Turkish Embassy Letters offers a fresh, open-minded perspective on Ottoman society and women's roles in it.
Like Catherine the Great, Lady Montagu approached foreign lands and traditions with curiosity and openness, offering readers thoughtful and intelligent observations.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote thoughtfully and passionately about education, society, and government. His writing often questioned traditional power structures and emphasized individual freedom, nature, and the common good.
In his influential work The Social Contract, Rousseau suggests that legitimate government authority comes only from the consent of the governed and explores how citizens can achieve genuine liberty within society.
Montesquieu was an insightful writer who closely examined political systems and structures. He had a clear and analytical approach to understanding different governments, emphasizing the importance of checks and balances.
In his significant work, The Spirit of the Laws, Montesquieu argues that dividing political power among distinct branches safeguards liberty and prevents tyranny.
Benjamin Franklin wrote with wit, practicality, and curiosity, capturing many readers' imagination. He explored themes of self-improvement, ethics, civic spirit, science, and politics.
In his lively autobiography, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Franklin humorously and honestly reflects on his personal growth and his pursuit of knowledge and moral perfection.
Thomas Jefferson wrote with precision and clarity, emphasizing reason, liberty, and democratic principles as central themes.
Jefferson's strong belief in individual rights and democracy comes through vividly in The Declaration of Independence, a powerful, concise text that helped shape modern understandings of freedom and self-government.
Abigail Adams was a thoughtful and engaging writer who explored the roles of women, family, political issues, and daily life in her letters.
Her clear and insightful correspondence vividly reflects the struggles and aspirations of women and society during the American Revolution.
The Letters of Abigail Adams provide a personal yet thoughtful view on politics, equality, education, and her hope that women's voices and opinions would be valued in the new nation.
Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun was an exceptional artist who lived through the turbulent times of the French Revolution. Her memoir, Memoirs of Madame Vigée Le Brun, shares her personal experiences within European courts.
Readers who enjoy Catherine the Great's intelligence and passion for culture might appreciate how Vigée Le Brun captures the elegance and drama of her era through her engaging narrative.
Madame de Staël was a dynamic writer and intellectual active during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. Her influential book, Corinne, or Italy, explores themes of independence, women's roles, and political change.
If you're fascinated by Catherine the Great's strong personality and insightful perspectives, you'll likely find Madame de Staël's works equally engaging.
Grigory Potemkin, a trusted advisor and companion of Catherine the Great, left behind numerous letters filled with political insights and his personal relationship with the Russian ruler.
His correspondence, collected in various volumes such as The Correspondence of Catherine the Great and Grigory Potemkin, reveals the behind-the-scenes realities of power, ambition, and diplomacy.
Readers interested in Catherine's political acumen and personal relationships will enjoy exploring Potemkin's direct and vivid style.
Empress Maria Theresa, an influential Habsburg ruler, was a contemporary figure with a strikingly different style from Catherine.
Maria Theresa: The Habsburg Empress in Her Time gives insights into her complex political strategies, reforms, and her devotion to her family within Europe's tense political landscape.
Fans of Catherine's ruling style, diplomatic maneuvers, and leadership challenges might appreciate discovering Maria Theresa's similar struggles and triumphs.
Christina, Queen of Sweden, was a unique and controversial ruler who personally challenged traditional expectations. Her autobiography, The Works of Christina, Queen of Sweden, reflects her independent nature, her intellectual pursuits, and her bold rejection of social norms.
Those intrigued by Catherine the Great's intellectual curiosity, unconventional attitudes, and strong personal agency will discover similar appeal in Christina's life story and writings.