This 1965 first British edition, published by William Heinemann Ltd, is a masterfully written biography of the Prussian-born princess who became the formidable Empress of All the Russias. Author Zoé Oldenbourg, an acclaimed historian and novelist known for her meticulous research into medieval and imperial history, provides a vivid psychological portrait of Catherine's rise to power amidst the intrigue of the Romanov court. The book is in fair to good condition; the original dust jacket is present but shows wear, including several tears, chipping at the edges, and some surface loss where a label was likely removed. The internal hardcover remains sturdy, and while the pages show natural age-toning and some minor foxing to the edges, the text block is clean and the binding remains secure.