At the start of the seventeenth century, the Russian state found itself in dire straits. During a period known as the Time of Troubles (1598-1613), Russia lacked stable leadership, suffered invasion and defeat at the hands of the Poles, and experienced widespread social chaos. Some sense of order returned only in 1613 with the selection of Michael Romanov as tsar, or ruler. The Romanov dynasty founded at that time ruled Russia until its overthrow in 1917.

Throughout the remainder of the seventeenth century, Russia gradually recovered. However, it remained a semi-Asiatic state far removed from the European mainstream. It looked to the East rather than the West, and it reflected Eastern values and traditions in its style of dress and in its attitudes and practices, such as the seclusion of women. Nevertheless, Western influences managed to seep into Russia. Trade with the West increased, and a number of foreigners, especially Germans and Dutch, resided in the capital, Moscow.

The man who decisively turned Russia westward, Peter the Great, was born in 1672. Tall, strong, and physically imposing, the young Peter displayed boundless energy and insatiable curiosity. He was particularly attracted to military matters, organizing a miniature army of his own . . .