Paul the First

“MediaBook” Studio presents an audiobook “Paul I” by the famous Polish writer and historian Kazimir Valishchevsky. “The son of Catherine, with his tragic fate, is one of the most mysterious figures in history—and also one of the most controversial. Disagreement about the personality of Emperor Paul has become especially sharp in recent times. Madness on the throne—more or less clearly expressed—has been observed more than once, especially in the second half of the eighteenth century. George III in England and Christian VII in Denmark were contemporaries of Paul. However, regarding the latter question, it must be phrased a bit differently. First of all, was Catherine’s son truly mentally ill? Until recently, this was considered quite certain, at least concerning the last years of Paul’s life. The general opinion was also that his rule was fatal and tyrannical—that Russia’s fate for four years had been in the unrestrained, unlimited power of a mad despot. But now this question raises doubts. In recent years we can see a complete reversal in established views of Paul I’s character and mind, as well as the significance of his reign.” “Paul I,” Kazimir Valishchevsky Listen, like, and actively comment! ) © & ℗ LLC “MediaBook”, 2021