My last book post started my journey into Russian literature, and I've been trucking through a biography of Catherine the Great ever since. I thoroughly enjoy historical fiction and biographies, especially those about women. However, whenever I think of famous women in Russian royalty, my mind immediately goes to Anastasia (more on her in a later post). Blame it on Disney, but young girls are more drawn to princesses than we are to empresses. So, it was very eye-opening to read about a woman who ruled Russia with a strong hand, all while maintaining a life of etiquette and enjoyment.
In Catherine The Great- Portrait of a Woman, Robert K. Massie provides a political and historical overview of Russia during the empress' reign, while also allowing the reader an intimate glimpse into Catherine's personal life and emotions. His book made me want to be more assertive in taking control of my own life and gave me a little bit of wardrobe envy. It's great to be royalty. Scroll down to see my favorite quotes from this book. It's truly amazing how many etiquette lessons can be hidden in a 500+ page novel.
Notable Quotables
"Perhaps the best description of her is that she is a woman as well as an empress," (Introduction).
"Etiquette was foremost, the little students practiced bowing and curtseying hundreds of times until perfection was automatic," (p. 7).
"She realized that people preferred to talk rather than to listen and to talk about themselves rather than anything else," (p. 12).
"She [Empress Elizabeth] cared immensely about what she wore and refused to put on a gown more than once; on her death fifteen thousand robes and dresses were supposedly discovered in her closets and wardrobes," (p. 97).
"She always kept a book in her room and carried another in her pocket," (p. 144).
"If a gown attracted everyone's praise, she never wore it again; her rule was that if it made a striking impression the first time, it could only make a lesser one thereafter," (p. 145).
"I told him that merit was not a matter of beauty, clothes, or ornament; for when one has faded, the others become ridiculous, and only character endures," (p. 173).
"The Grand Duchess is kindness itself... She gave presents to everyone; she is charming; she smiled and took pleasure in making us all dance, eat, and make merry," (p. 197). The perfect hostess
"It seems to me that if I were on the throne, I should wish to let my actions speak and impose silence on my pen," (p. 329).
"If you want to keep me forever, then show as much friendship as love, and more than anything else, love me and tell me the truth," (p. 423).
"During these gatherings, her long-standing rules remained in force: formality was banned, it was forbidden to rise when the empress stood; everyone talked freely; bad tempers were not tolerated; laughter was required," (p. 562).
Manners Moral: Having good etiquette doesn't mean you can't be a strong and forceful woman. Follow in Catherine's footsteps and live life on your own terms while also showing grace and charm.