Princess Sophia, half-sister of Peter the Great, was the first female ruler in Russian history. By the will of circumstances, she became a regent under her incapacitated brothers and for seven years had full power in the country. A book by University of London professor Lindsay Hughes tells about her reign. Based on a wide range of historical sources, the researcher examines political history, relations between the state and the church, international politics, social movements, the culture and life of medieval society, and state transformations on the eve of modern times. Under the pen of the historian, Princess Sophia appears as an extraordinary, bright personality and statesman.

Contents: From the translatorChronology of eventsThe first Romanovs (genealogical table)Introduction.Part one. Youth. 1657-1682 Part two. Sophia's reign. 1682-1689 Part three. A fall. 1689-1704 Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index