Fearful Majesty: The Life and Reign of Ivan the Terrible

Ivan the Terrible - the name evokes the legend of a cruel and dangerously insane tyrant. Fearful Majesty explores that legend and exposes the man his nature and his time. This acclaimed biography of one of Russias most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich readable biography it is also surprisingly timely revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivans reign. Ivan IV oversaw huge conquests of neighboring lands the creation of a national church and Russias emergence as a world power. Arrogant handsome a gifted orator and theologian Ivan was well educated but cruel profoundly egotistical yet cowardly scarred by childhood terrors. He was also the Russian ruler whose policies first cast Russia in the role of Evil Empire to the West. Throughout his reign Ivans unbalanced genius erupted in a tyranny so violent that it threatened to destroy his bloodline his court his church his country.