Rated the book

An amazing work that gave me three amazing sleepless nights!

At the center of this wonderful epic novel controversial personality Peter I - the great Russian Tsar, warrior, builder, reformer, fighter against the hardened boyars. The merits of Peter I are undeniable, although his activities are still the subject of controversy among historians. Tolstoy showed his formation and evolution from a vulnerable child to a sometimes cruel, violent, impulsive ruler, carrying a lot of negative traits, but at the same time, the ruler, who did not have, as such, a secular education, who independently learned fourteen crafts, cared for the motherland, experienced the bitterness of defeat and the joy of victories, and therefore, only more strongly striving to change the life of his people at all costs and elevate Russia. Personality extraordinary person is revealed to the reader, his actions are justified and become clear.

Peter I is depicted against the background of a dramatic canvas of a historical diorama, but he is not the only one main character epics - along with him, the role of the Russian people, who found personification in many heroes, often fictional, is assigned. This is the freedom-loving Fedka Wash Yourself with Mud, Andrei Golikov who feels and nurtures beauty, the inventive Kuzma Zhemov and Bazhenins, the craftsmen Vorobyovs, the blacksmith Antufiev, Aleksashka Menshikov gnaws his way up with intelligence and cunning, ..

All events are shown in the live dynamics of the fate of the characters. The story is told smoothly and unhurriedly, the masterful intricacies of the plot will not let you get bored even on the battle scenes, the scale of the story is amazing, every line shines through with love for Russia, for life. The language of the novel is very beautiful, plastic, stylized according to the time being described, but at the same time there is absolutely no artificiality in it.

No wonder the epic novel "Peter I" won world recognition, this is really a masterpiece of Soviet historical prose, and even though sometimes the author treated quite freely with historical material, but he did not claim to be documentary. It is a pity that Alexei Nikolayevich Tolstoy did not have time to fulfill his plan and complete the novel.

"Peter I" Portrait by J. Veniks, 1697

Autograph of Peter I and A. D. Menshikov in F. Ruysch's album. September 17, 1697 The first known signature of Menshikov: "Alexander Menshikof"

"Grandfather of the Russian fleet" (Franz Timmerman explains to Pyotr Alekseevich the device of a boat found in one of the barns in the village of Izmailovo. May 1688). Artist - Grigory Myasoedov

"Pereslavskaya amusing flotilla on Lake Pleshcheyevo August 25, 1692" Artist Dmitry Kardovsky

"German Quarter, house of Anna Mons", Artist Alexander Benois, 1911

Azov fortress

Portrait of Admiral Franz Yakovlevich Lefort

Fragment of the diorama "The capture of the Turkish fortress of Azov by the troops of Peter I in 1696" Artist Arseny Chernyshov

The "beard sign" was issued to men who paid off from shaving their beards, it weighed a lot, and it cost 100 rubles. from a merchant's beard, 60 rubles from a nobleman's, 30 rubles from another.

"A new business in Russia! The launch of the Principium galley at the Voronezh shipyard on April 3, 1696." Artist Yuri Kushevsky

"Peter personally takes an exam from pensioners who have returned from abroad (young people nobility sent to Europe to master the sciences)" Artist Yuri Kushevsky

Rated the book

The novel "Peter the Great" is the best example of the historical novel genre in Soviet literature.

So says the annotation to the book, and it is impossible not to agree with this statement. Even the famous Valentin Pikul with his very good historical novels looks like only an imitator against the backdrop of the monumental, but, unfortunately, unfinished work of Alexei Tolstoy.

The novel covers a small, by historical standards, period of just over 20 years, originating from the death of Tsar Fyodor Alekseevich in 1682 and the subsequent coming to power of Princess Sophia, and breaking off at the moment of taking Narva from the Swedes in 1704. The personality of Peter I, the last tsar of Russia and the first emperor of Russia, is one of the most controversial figures in history. historical processes of our country and constantly causes heated debates between "experts in history", which are comparable in their ferocity to the disputes about Stalin. The merits of Peter as a great reformer are hard to dispute. The man who shook up the whole of Russia after almost a hundred years of sleep under the leadership of the first Romanovs never stood behind the price of these changes. He was a supporter of repressions and was never afraid to draw blood, ruffle the bins of the church, crush the boyars or strip the common people naked. But with all this, he had a super-goal, the achievement of which could forgive him a lot in the eyes of grateful descendants.

By the end of the 17th century scientific and technical progress in Europe has come a long way. New ones were made scientific discoveries, contributing to fundamental changes in certain areas, the principles of warfare were changing, European states pursued an active colonial policy, using the resources of the colonies to redistribute zones of influence in the metropolises themselves. Russia lagged behind and seriously lagged behind, being practically excluded from European geopolitical processes.

The coming to power of Peter, who spent all his youth in the German settlement and happily absorbed the life and habits of foreign friends, and saw in the old archaic Russia a threat to his existence (hello to the echoes of the experienced horrors of the Streltsy revolt of 1682), was not slow to affect the picture of domestic political life Russia. The shafts of Russia's historical path are turning towards the West. Azov campaigns Peter in 1695 and 1696 revealed the deplorable state of the Russian army, as well as the impossibility of its rapid and spontaneous reorganization into an army that meets the requirements of its time. Peter, together with the Great Embassy, ​​goes to Europe - to absorb new knowledge. It was after this trip to Europe, which lasted more than a year, and the suppression of another streltsy revolt, that reforms that radically changed life in Russia fell like a cornucopia. Peter is in a hurry and makes many mistakes. not ready for the new big war, he nevertheless longs for access to the Baltic Sea and finds himself embroiled in a struggle with Sweden as part of an extremely weak alliance of Russia, Poland, Saxony and Denmark. heavy defeat Russians along Narva negates many years of army training, and Peter is forced to urgently reorganize it anew. "For one beaten they give two unbeaten" - this saying can be fully attributed to Peter in all its positive sense. A year later, Russian troops begin to win small battles, and in 1704 they take the fortress of Narva - the key to entering the Baltic. At this place, no doubt, a great historical novel about the great historical character breaks off...

The novel "Peter the Great" by Alexei Tolstoy is not just the best example historical literature, and its standard, which has a high degree of reflection of historical reality (the battle scenes alone are worth something !!!), which can be safely recommended to every reader who is not indifferent to the history of Russia.

It is very difficult to say anything concrete about such books as "Peter I". How would you compare it?.. Ah! Here! Try to tell someone about the Hermitage. BUT? Wow, that's it. Feelings for life, but you don’t know where to start the story.

I'll say something like this. I dislike historical novels because they are not very believable, not very interesting, and rarely have a clear idea that frames the artistic intent. "Peter I" is, on the whole, reliable (although not without excesses), very interesting and quite conceptual. There are two ideas - the role of the individual in the history of the people and the role of the people in the history of the state.

The second idea enlivens the novel even more (although in places it stretches it unnecessarily). Thanks to this, we not only see outstanding people, but understand the entire historical depth of bureaucracy, bribery, meanness, malice, rebellion (nowadays this is called the more fashionable word "extremism"). Well, in general, the people's mentality is understandable.

The significance of Tsar Peter is that he was born with a different mentality. Here it is, a historical paradox - all the children of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich (at least in the male line) were sick and rested one by one. Only one, healthier, was born completely different. And shook Russia.

People should know the history of their country in order to know what to do in this or that case in the future. Alexei Tolstoy, inspired by the era of Peter the Great, decided to show us all the subtleties and difficulties of the Peter the Great era. As you know, he put almost 10 years of his life into work and spent many hours to study exactly the era of transformation and change in our country.

Alexei Nikolaevich Tolstoy was very interested in the fate of Emperor Peter 1, for more than twenty years the writer studied the biography and historical facts from the life of the ruler. This case can be called one of those when the author's work, in an attempt to convey the character of the era and personality, borders on scientific historical literature.

Initially, the work was conceived as an epic novel, which would allow, with its volume, to show all the positions and change of thoughts of a Soviet person. The writer fully succeeded in this, because through the image of Peter, the personality of Tolstoy's patron and admirer, I.V. Stalin, peeps through. In his novel, Tolstoy wanted to show the value of the transformations of that time, he describes how the wisdom of the ruler determines the further development of the state. But it is not at all difficult for the reader to grasp the connection between that time and the new Soviet era where it is also not easy for people to change for the better, where people do not want to accept the need for change. In such a situation, the country needs a cruel, but strong and far-sighted leader, whom the author saw both in Peter the Great and in the General Secretary of the CPSU Party.

Genre, direction

"Peter the Great" is a historical novel that includes elements of the novel of formation and heroic narration. You can also find features of a biographical novel.

essence

In the first book, Peter the Transformer appears before us. A personality, still fully formed, but striving to become a true and the right way. The author shows us the king as a person close to his people, able to understand all problems and try to find their solution.

1. The first volume shows us the still very young Peter, frightened by the coming difficulties of government. From this moment begins our acquaintance with the formation of the future king, able to change the fate of his country. We can observe how the little ruler learns to cope with palace intrigues, betrayals, experiences the first failures, learns to correct his mistakes and solve complex, even seemingly insoluble problems.
2. In the second volume, we see Peter already grown up, capable of working on an equal footing with the common people for the benefit of the country's prosperity. A lot of time has passed, the young ruler is preparing for the first transformations and signing of laws. Peter takes care of his people, trying not to allow arbitrariness on the part of the boyars. So, page after page, before our eyes, the king is becoming, from a small, frightened boy into a mature, wise ruler.
3. In the third volume, a man, a king, a man, who has already taken place as a person, appears before us. Petersburg is already standing on the banks of the Neva, long-term wars have been stopped. Like Peter, the country rises to new way, changes and improvements. The third volume is the final and indicator of the positive consequences of the reforms, there is a cultural upsurge in people's lives, and military power states.

main characters

• Petr Alekseevich- Tsar of Russia. The writer tried to reveal the image of the ruler in a multifaceted and full way, showing both positive and some negative qualities Peter. The monarch appears before us in different light, starting from a young age, ending with the peak of successful reforms of an accomplished historical personality. The hero is distinguished by diligence, determination, foresight and willpower.
• Alexander Danilovich Menshikov- an ally of Peter, ready for anything for the sake of the ruler, Peter trusted him completely, considered his right hand. Menshikov ran away from the family, being quite young, survived as best he could, living from penny to penny. Thanks to his mind, he ended up in the palace, where he worked as a bed-keeper. When did Peter realize true value this man, he became the right hand of the sovereign. He was distinguished by intelligence, efficiency and the ability to assimilate new trends.
• Franz Lefort- Peter's mentor, his friend, who helped to unlock the potential of the king. Franz appears before us as a mature man, we can say that he was in charge of all the affairs of foreigners in Russia. Lefort served as Peter's adviser on military issues, on social and economic affairs, suggested how best to proceed during the palace struggle with Sophia.

There are other heroes of the novel who are no less important for the plot, but there is no way to describe each one, we do not have an epic article. But if you missed someone, feel free to write about it in the comments, we will add.

Topics and issues

1. The main theme is patriotism. The author shows that our land is rich in various natural deposits, but they are wasted. Thus, there is potential in our country, but it is either not being used or is being used incorrectly. It can only be changed by the strong and strong-willed person, according to the writer. Each of us, for the sake of our homeland, for the sake of our future, must become such a person.
2. The main problem is power and its influence on the individual. Peter had to face family intrigues, native people were ready to get rid of him, if only to take the throne. The craving for power knocks out all the best from a person, leaving a scorched field in place of the soul.
3. The problem of social injustice. Peter put himself in the place of an ordinary worker and realized how hard the life of the people under the yoke of boyar arbitrariness. Therefore, he took up arms against the nobility, who, with their greed, pulled the country back, exhausting the peasant and living at his expense.
4. Social issues also includes the issue of people's readiness for change. It is very difficult for innovators to change the world, they are constantly faced with misunderstanding and aggression from those who are used to living the old fashioned way.

the main idea

The main idea of ​​the novel is that big country what is needed is a far-sighted, purposeful and decisive leader who, by the force of his will, will direct the country forward. Without a strong and firm hand it is impossible effective management. Without it, the elite will never agree to change anything, because they already live well, and the people, out of fear of change or ignorance, will gradually sink into stagnation. Thus, a true leader is a tough and adamant person who must make sacrifices in order to make history.

One can disagree with this message, it is very controversial. The author, who returned from exile and (thanks to Gorky's patronage) settled down under a regime hostile to him, could carry out a political order, the meaning of which is to justify Stalin's cruel dictatorship, covering the repressions with historical necessity.

What does it teach?

Beneficial changes are always needed. Life cannot stand still, especially in such a large state as our country. But at least some significant transformations cannot happen by themselves, without our readiness for them. The book teaches people to take responsibility for the future of the country into their own hands and look to the future.

Often the people themselves hinder progress, and they really have to be pushed from above, such is the direct purpose of the government. But the person himself must go forward positive change, must develop and adapt in modern times, and not stand still and rest against what is already there. Then you don't have to push anyone.

Criticism

Contemporaries highly appreciated the work "Peter the Great" and regretted that the author did not finish it to the end. For example, Korney Chukovsky wrote that before his death, the author's imagination began to border on clairvoyance. Judging by his memoirs, Tolstoy planned to write a historical literary epic dedicated to the era palace coups and the reign of Ivan the Terrible. All this would be a continuation of the story already written by him.

I. Ehrenburg pointed out that the work of Tolstoy was similar to the work of Dostoevsky. The author himself did not know what the heroes would do, they came to life in his head and did what they themselves considered necessary. These writers never knew how this or that book would end.

V. Inber recalled that Tolstoy was a surprisingly wholesome nature and he chose a hero to match. He also loved Russia, like its first emperor.

Yu. Olesha noted the authenticity of his colleague's prose. He often imagined what was written in the novel, and the lines came to life in his head. The text of the trowel described everything that the writer wanted to say.

V. Lidin said that in Tolstoy he appreciates, above all, nationality. His king is like a man of the people, living in the interests of ordinary people. The author masterfully conveyed the Russian spirit, paying attention to lively Russian speech, which adorns the text and conveys the subtlest shades of meaning.

L. Kogan described the details of conversations with the writer, he believed that turning point in Russian history is Poltava battle, it was there that the king and the people united in a single impulse.

G. Ulanova believed that Tolstoy lived in the souls of his heroes, as if he himself experienced their emotions, as if he saw history with his own eyes.

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Summary

The novel Peter the Great covers the time after the death of Fyodor Alekseevich, the son of Alexei Mikhailovich, and almost before the capture of Narva by Russian troops. The novel is as close as possible to real historical events. Streltsy rebellion, the insidious princess Sophia, her lover, Prince Vasily Golitsyn, Lefort, Menshikov, Karl XII, Anna Mons - all these historical figures are present here. Peter the Great has a stubborn character and fights for his decisions, often not carried out by crafty and lazy military leaders.

With difficulty, with the help of the fleet, Azov was taken, which led Russia to clash with the powerful Turkish Empire.

The meaning of the novel

Tolstoy wrote: Historical novel cannot be written as a chronicle, as a history. We need, first of all, the composition, the architectonics of the work. What is composition? This is primarily the establishment of the center, the center of vision. In my novel, the center is the figure of Peter I. The boredom of the Transfiguration Palace leads Peter the Great to the settlement, to ordinary people.

The novel by Alexei Tolstoy shows the whole existence of that time. Ordinary people, Peter's contemporaries, are especially vividly depicted. They argue, agree, participate in historical events. On them, it is on them that Alexei Tolstoy shows the opinion of the people about the reforms of Peter the Great, about his policies and other deeds.

The work of the people is depicted. Peter's first army was defeated in the war with the Swedes, but future emperor did not give up - he began to create a new army and having created it, he defeated the Swedes and won the war.

The culmination and end of the novel - the result of the efforts and the dream of all the people who suffered the victory was the capture of Narva. At the very end of the novel, on the last page - Peter the Great approaches the commandant of Narva - General Horn, who was taken prisoner and says: "Take him to prison, on foot, through the whole city, so that he can see the sad work of his hands ...".

The special style of A. Tolstoy's narration allows the reader to read this novel in one fell swoop, without much effort, delving into the meaning on the go. This makes the story more interesting and exciting...

Characters

• Artamon Sergeevich Matveev - boyar
• Patriarch Joachim - Patriarch
• Natalya Kirillovna Naryshkina - queen
• Ivan Kirillovich Naryshkin - brother of the queen
• Dwarf - servant of Ivan Kirillovich
• Alexey Ivanovich Brovkin (Alyoshka) - son of Ivashka Brovkin, friend of Aleksashka
• Ivan Artemich Brovkin (Ivashka Brovkin) - a serf, later a wealthy merchant, Alyoshka's father
• Pyotr Alekseevich Romanov - Tsar

Materials and documents that formed the basis for writing the novel

Torture records of the end of the 17th century, collected by Professor

This novel by Alexei Nikolayevich Tolstoy is historical, but a simple chronology of events cannot express even the briefest content. "Peter 1" Tolstoy is filled with events from the life of not only real historical figures- Tsar Peter, Menshikov, Lefort, Charles XII and etc.

On its pages there are characters endowed by the writer with typical features of representatives of the most diverse segments of the population of a vast country. They live and die, they speak a language whose expressiveness can only be appreciated by reading the book page by page.

General structure

The novel consists of three volumes or books. In the center of the story is that autocrat from the Romanov family, who was the first to be called the Emperor of All Russia - Peter 1. Summary novel - initial period his stormy reign, from the time of the joint wedding to the kingdom with his half-brother Ivan to the first victories in the war with Sweden for access to the Baltic Sea.

The events of the first book take place from 1682 to 1698. Summary of “Peter 1” Alexei Tolstoy, book one: The young Tsar Peter Alekseevich understands the need for European-type reforms, wins the power struggle with his sister Sophia, who relies on the archery regiments.

"Peter 1": a summary of the chapters

Book I. In the first volume - 7 chapters.

A.N. Tolstoy, "Peter 1", a summary of the chapters of the first book:

Chapter 1, parts 1-5: Ivashka Brovkin - a cunning and strong man, on the orders of the master - Vasily Volkov - sends his son Alyoshka with a convoy to Moscow. There Alyoshka is robbed, he is lost in the capital's settlements.

Part 6. The king dies of scurvy. His sister Sophia, one of the daughters of the first wife of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, Maria Miloslavskaya, claims the kingdom. Neighbor boyars choose healthy and lively Peter, the son of Alexei Mikhailovich's second wife, Natalya Naryshkina, to the kingdom.

Parts 7-18. Alyoshka Brovkin meets a peer - enterprising and quick-witted beyond his years Aleksashka Menshikov, who ran away from home from his father's beatings. They are hired by a merchant to sell pies, and then they become witnesses of an armed uprising of archers, incited by Sophia's supporters, who shouted that the Naryshkins had killed the tsar's heirs. Patriarch Joachim shows the living Peter and Ivan, but the demands of the crowd are fulfilled: the joint wedding of Ivan and Peter to the throne, above them - Sophia.

Book I. Chapter 2. Summary of "Peter 1" by A.N. Tolstoy:

Parts 1-3. The schismatics are trying to raise the archers to revolt "for the old faith", Sophia gathers the nobles and extinguishes the turmoil. Aleksashka meets the boy Peter, and running away from a father he accidentally met, he ends up in the German settlement - Kukuy, where he is taken to work. Peter, who has hidden from boring nannies, also appears on Kukuy. Lefort shows the curious king a lot of new and interesting things.

Parts 4-6. Vasily Vasilyevich Golitsyn - a man of progressive views, cannot resist the demands of his mistress - Sophia - to go "fight the Tatars." There is no opportunity for war.

Parts 7-11. Peter, with the help of foreigners, is engaged in training " amusing army". The Kukuis are impressed by the energy and curiosity of the young Russian monarch.

Peter likes the attitude of the inhabitants of the German settlement to work and to fun. He is dizzy with the young beauty Aleksashka, who was able to become necessary to Peter and he is appointed the royal bed-keeper.

Book I. "Peter 1", summary. Chapter 3:

Parts 1-2. Vasily Golitsyn's inglorious march to the south. The Russian army, suffering from starvation and intense heat, finally stops the steppe fire. Ukrainian hetman Samoylovich is accused of arson. The author of this denunciation - Mazepa - himself becomes the ruler of Ukraine.

Parts 3-5. In Preobrazhenskoye, where Peter lives with his mother, the fighting capacity of the amusing regiments - Preobrazhensky and Semenovsky, is increasing, which causes concern to Sophia. Aleksashka enjoys a growing confidence in Peter and recommends him a new drummer - Alyosha Brovkin. The behavior of the young tsar is condemned by his mother Natalya Kirillovna and her boyar entourage. The queen wants to marry Peter to Cousin Basil supports Peter's undertakings with word and money.

Part 6. Vasily Golitsyn offers mutually beneficial cooperation with French merchants to cover the needs of the troops, and receives a snobby refusal.

Parts 7-8. Anna Mons's father dies. Peter agrees to marry.

1689. Marriage

Book I. A.N. Tolstoy "Peter the Great", a summary. Chapter 4

Parts 1-5. Alyosha Brovkin, with the help of Menshikov, escapes from the beatings of his father, who brought food dues to his master, Volkov. Ivan at first does not recognize his son, then by pretense he begs a huge sum from him - more than three and a half rubles.

The wedding of Peter and Evdokia is played according to ancient rite, but on the eve of the young tsar escapes for the night to Anna Mons, and a month later he leaves for the shipyard in Pereslavl. The second Golitsyn ends with heavy losses on both sides.

Parts 6-10. With the money of his son, Ivan Brovkin raised the economy and began to grow rich. After the war with the Tatars, poverty, robbery and robbery intensified. Everyone wants the matter to be decided as soon as possible in someone's favor: Sophia or Peter. The archery chiefs, on the instructions of the ruler, organize a plot to kill Peter and his mother. Uncle, Lev Kirillovich Naryshkin, comes to Peter, tells about Sophia's conspiracy, awakening childhood fears in him and provoking a convulsive seizure.

Parts 11-15. During the church service, Peter comes into open conflict with Sophia, who, during procession undertook to carry the icon, which should only be done by the royal person of the male. Golitsyn's entourage encourages him to take decisive action against the inhabitants of Preobrazhensky, but he hesitates. The tsar's stolnik Vasily Volkov, sent by Peter for reconnaissance, was captured by archers and brought to Sophia for interrogation. Fulfilling the order of the king to be silent, he aroused the wrath of Sophia, who ordered to cut off his head. But among the archers there was no volunteer executioner, and Volkov was secretly released. The archery chiefs appoint a performance at midnight, and a group of guard archers, not believing in success, decide to send two messengers to Peter to warn of the danger.

Part 16. Peter and his entourage understand that if everything rises archery army, the forces of the Preobrazhensky and Semenovsky regiments are not enough. It was decided to leave for the Trinity Lavra under the protection of the monastery walls and the patriarch. Peter's nerves are on edge. As soon as the archers enter with a warning of the impending alarm, he jumps undressed in a panic to the Trinity.

Parts 17-19. Sophia fails to sound the alarm. Almost all of her supporters go over to the side of Peter, and she herself is not allowed into the Trinity. Following the instructions of Lefort, Peter behaves in accordance with the wishes of his mother, causing the approval of Natalya Kirillovna and her entourage.

Parts 20-23. Sophia endures complete defeat. She was transferred from the Kremlin to Novodevichy Convent, its most ardent supporters are executed and tortured. Vasily Golitsyn, who was saved from execution by his brother Boris, was sent into exile to the north. Companions of Peter were granted money and lands. Everyone is waiting for executions, but the young autocrat did not chop heads.

Beginning of sole government

Book I. A.N. Tolstoy "Peter the Great", a summary of the chapters. Chapter 5

Parts 1-5. Lefort becomes a true friend and chief adviser to Peter. Peter hears from foreigners about the inability of Russians to conduct business, about the savagery of their customs.

Parts 6-7. Patriarch Joachim demands from Peter to protect Orthodox faith from foreign heretics and expel the Germans from Russian soil. The king surprises him with his firmness and asks him not to interfere with his plans. Evdokia reproaches her husband with a relationship with Anna Mons, they quarrel.

Parts 8-12. The fugitive serf Gypsy and the blacksmith Kuzma Zhemov asked "to join the artel" with the same homeless sufferers - Ovdokim and Juda, in order to get food by right or wrong. Like them, many people went into the forests to rob or hid from the authorities, holding on, like schismatics, to the old faith.

Parts 13-16. Peter not only indulges in revelry, but continues to build new country. In Arkhangelsk, where there have long been settlements of overseas merchants, he sees with his own eyes the difference in the standard of living of foreigners and Russians, and starts serious conversation with Lefort about the main goals for the future. He hears from him about going beyond the Azov and Black Seas, about the war with Sweden for access to the Baltic. In everyday affairs: complaints about robbery, bribery and the first Russian "commercial rat" - an organization of merchants for international trade.

Part 17. Natalya Kirillovna, Peter's mother, is dying. Having quarreled with his wife, he seeks consolation from Anna Mons.

Parts 18-21. Artel Ovdokim, having robbed on the Tula roads, broke up, and Gypsy and Zhemov ended up in hard labor at an arms factory. A war in the south is becoming inevitable - it was pushed by foreign allies and internal forces. The Duma urged to collect the militia.

Part 22. The life of Ivan Brovkin changed dramatically: former relatives and fellow villagers became dependent on him, he was given a contract for oats and hay for the army, his daughter Sanka came to woo the former master - Vasily Volkov - Tsar Peter himself.

Book I. Summary, "Peter 1" by A.N. Tolstoy: Chapter 6.

In February 1695, a campaign began to the lower reaches of the Dnieper and to the fortress of Azov. At the head was the governor Boris Petrovich Sheremetyev, and the tsar walked with the army like a scorer Pyotr Alekseev. In the capital, Prince-Caesar Fedor Romodanovsky, who was feared, remained to rule. The army descended to the lower reaches of the Volga, where it was supposed to replenish supplies. Due to the theft of contractors, this was a difficult matter - only Brovkin fulfilled his obligations as needed. Azov could not be taken with a swoop, the Russians suffered heavy losses. Began a long siege with tunnels. The Turks received support from the sea, where they were in charge - troops and supplies were brought up, so the siege failed. An open assault was also repulsed. Lefort and other military advisers considered it necessary to postpone military company on the next year. But Peter insisted on a second assault from land and sea. Only when he was repulsed and lost two-thirds of the troops, it was decided to retreat - so the first Azov campaign ended ingloriously.

1696 The capture of the fortress of Azov

Book I. Summary, "Peter 1", A. Tolstoy: Chapter 7.

Part 1. Two years later, a lot has changed in the country, but the main thing is that its king has matured. After the “Azov non-capture”, he immediately left for Voronezh, where the construction of new ships began. The fleet was built at a huge cost. In May, Azov was besieged and taken two months later. After the triumphant return of Peter to the capital boyar Duma it only remained to resignedly approve new royal decrees on the construction of the fleet, on the digging of the Volga-Don canal, on the education of noble children abroad, etc.

Part 2. Peter decides to leave for Europe for support of his policy and for new knowledge. He travels as part of a large embassy under the name of Peter Mikhailov. The departure was delayed by the defeat of the Cossack conspiracy led by former ally Sophia - Colonel Tsykler.

1697-1698. Grand Embassy

Parts 3-7. As part of the embassy, ​​Peter visits Koenigsberg, where he enters into an alliance with the Elector of Brandenburg, inspects iron factories and workshops, and receives a certificate of training in artillery skills. He is struck by a reasonable and tidy lifestyle, he dreams of introducing a similar prosperous way of life in Russia.

Part 8. Peter and his companions make a strong impression at the reception organized by the elector's wife and his daughter. They amaze German women with their energy, curiosity and rude manners.

Parts 9-11. In Holland, Peter works at a shipyard in the town of Saardam, lives with a carpenter whom he knew from Voronezh, leads the simplest way of life, although he does not remain incognito for long. He is interested in everything, happens everywhere - both in a tavern and in anatomical theater. In England, he studies mathematics, learns to draw ship plans, hires maritime specialists. A lot of money is spent on weapons, tools and various curiosities. In the meantime, there are rumors in Moscow about the death of the tsar abroad and his substitution. In the archery regiments, standing on the northern and southern borders, Sophia's letters appear demanding to go to the capital to install her in the kingdom.

Parts 12-13. Peter recognizes duplicity European politics, and in Moscow, Ivan Brovkin brings the news to Prince-Caesar Romodanovsky about the streltsy regiments approaching the capital.

Parts 14-17. Streltsy, not having unity in plans, were shot from cannons by battalions loyal to the tsar. Peter, interrupting the trip, returns to the capital.

1698. Streltsy rebellion

Parts 18-21. After returning, Peter arranges a demonstrative shaving of the boyar beards, without meeting his wife, he goes to the German settlement to Anna Mons. long last terrible torture and the execution of participants in the Streltsy unrest. Byzantine Russia ended.

In 1698 - 1703, the action of the second book "Peter the Great" takes place. Summary of the second volume.

With the help of numerous supporters from the people simple origin Peter is building a new industry, a new fleet, new trade. The war for access to the Baltic begins with brutal defeats.

Book II. "Peter the Great", a summary of the chapters: Chapter 1.

Parts 1-2. It is gloomy in Moscow, there is no trade, the schismatics prophesy troubles, they call to go north to sketes or to the Don, to prepare a new turmoil.

Parts 3-4. Prince Buynosov is one of those who do not like new customs, new clothes, the new nobility - without family and tribe.

Sanka Brovkina - Alexandra Ivanovna Volkova - teaches his daughters politeness, and they envy her.

1699 Death of Lefort

Parts 5-7. Peter lost true friend: Franz Lefort died. At a magnificent funeral, some mourn, others gloat.

Parts 8-9. Peter teaches the merchants how to set up trading in a new way, the schismatics want to live in the old way.

Parts 10-12. Voronezh shipyards complete construction big fleet. Peter works both as a blacksmith apprentice and as a carpenter. The idea of ​​the need for peace with the Turks and the inevitability of war in the Baltic grows stronger. The conclusion of peace with the Sultan is helped by the unexpected appearance of the Russian fleet on the Black Sea, which passed through the shallow waters of Azov.

A.N. Tolstoy, "Peter the Great", summary by volume: Book II. Chapter 2

Part 1. Lieutenant Alexei Brovkin with a detachment gathers people from the White Sea monasteries for the sovereign's service.

Part 2. At a social reception at Anna Mons, Peter is told about the young Swedish king Karl. He is assured of an easy victory.

Part 3. Ivan Brovkin's house is arranged in a foreign manner. The assembled guests discuss secular news and rumors about future war with the Swedes.

Part 4. The Swedish ambassadors did not wait for confirmation of the peace treaty from Peter. The Russian tsar sends a secret proposal to the Polish king for a military alliance against Charles.

Part 5. Young Karl sends his mistress Atalia to spy on the Polish King Augustus.

Part 6. Peter marries the younger Brovkin to Princess Buynosova from an ancient noble family. He is surprised at the education of Artamon. Alexandra Volkova and her husband travel to Europe, experiencing an attack by robbers along the way.

Part 7. In Moscow, foreign officers are preparing a regular army from recruited peasants.

Part 8. Alexey Brovkin collects recruits from the northern sketes. The schismatic elders are ready to burn people, so long as they do not serve the antichrist king.

Entering the Julian calendar

Part 9. By decree of Peter, a new chronology is introduced, the beginning of the new year 1700 is celebrated.

A.N. Tolstoy, "Peter 1", a summary of parts and chapters: Book II. Chapter 3

Part 1. The whole court and noble people go to Voronezh for the solemn descent of the new huge ship"Predestination" and the whole flotilla. In the midst of the holiday came the news of the beginning of the Polish-Swedish war.

Part 2. The Volkovs, on their way to Paris, are staying first with the Polish lords, then with King Augustus. Alexandra has big success. The Polish king starts a war and asks Volkov to convey a request to Peter about military aid. Volkov goes to the king. Alexandra remains to wait at the Polish court.

Part 3. Athalia tells Carl about the difficult situation. Polish king and calls him to military exploits. Karl enthusiastically starts the war: with the support of the Anglo-Dutch fleet, he attacks Copenhagen.

Part 4. Peter reads petitions about widespread bribery and theft of government officials. Menshikov is beaten for poor-quality cloth for uniforms. Gives to Demidov Ural factories, demanding high-quality and inexpensive weapons in return.

Northern War with Sweden

Book II. A.N. Tolstoy, "Peter the Great", a summary in parts. Chapter 4

Parts 1-2. Peace with the Turks was signed with the loss of some of the Azov conquests, and a royal decree on war with Sweden was announced in Moscow.

Part 3. The war began with the siege of Narva. During the hike became visible bad preparation. Only the soldiers of Alexei Brovkin's company had a good attitude towards the commander. Foreign commanders and soldiers hated each other. A long shelling of the fortress did not bring success. Came soon big army led by Karl. Peter leaves the commander in his place and goes to Novgorod to prepare the rear. The Swedes are victorious.

Part 4. Peter learns about embarrassment, demands funds from merchants for new guns and equipment for the troops, from monasteries and parishes - people for the defense of Novgorod, severely punishes negligent and bribe-takers.

Part 5. The tsar wants to take bells from the monasteries for cannons and money for the war. Prince Caesar Fyodor Romodanovsky instead opens a secret vault with treasures that Peter's father, Alexei Mikhailovich, collected. They were kept in case of military need. "But I'll still take the bells..."

Book II. A.N. Tolstoy, "Peter the Great", a summary of parts and chapters. Chapter 5

Part 1. Charles was dizzy with success, his army became one of the best in Europe. He defeated the armies of Augustus. On the Russian border he left Schlippenbach's corps. Peter fortified fortresses, armed and trained the army all winter. The new fortress in Arkhangelsk in the summer rebuffed the Swedish fleet, the ship was captured. Sheremetyev at the head new army defeated Schlippenbach in winter quarters near Derpt, and six months later - at Hummelshof, and there was no one to guard the Swedish coastal cities.

Part 2. After the capture of the fortress of Marienburg, Field Marshal Sheremetyev bought the girl Katerina, captured by him, from the constable, and made him his housekeeper.

Parts 3-4. There was confusion among the people - some hid from duties and military recruitment in sketes and in the forests, while other schismatics themselves offered Peter to establish ore mining and iron production. Canals are being built connecting rivers and seas for the passage of ships. After a fierce battle, Russian troops captured the fortress at the source of the Neva - Noteburg-Oreshek. Koenigsek, Anna Mons's lover, accidentally died, and Peter found proof of treason in him.

Part 5. Ivan Brovkin rejoices in the success of the children. Another fire in Moscow. Peter plans to build a new capital on the banks of the Neva. He finally breaks with Mons. Menshikov tells him about Katerina, whom he bought from Sheremetyev.

1703. Founding of St. Petersburg

Parts 6-7. Factories are developing, the work at which is a heavy bondage. The construction of a new capital begins. Peter meets Katerina.

Developments final book The novel covers the period from 1703 to 1704. Summary of Tolstoy, "Peter 1", book three.

The young Russian autocrat shows an extraordinary military talent and wins a number of victories over the best army that time - the army of Charles XII.

Book III. "Peter 1" summary by chapter. Chapter 1.

Parts 1-5. Peter's beloved sister, Natalya Alekseevna, supports her brother with all her might. She is engaged in the education of his favorite Katerina, wants to make Imperial Courtyard truly European. The other sisters of the tsar - Mashka and Katya - dishonor their brother with stupidity and debauchery. Prince Caesar Romodanovsky found their connection with the main enemy of Peter - Sophia.

Book III. Summary. Tolstoy "Peter 1". Chapter 2

Parts 1-4. All three Brovkin brothers gathered at Aleksey Brovkin's in St. Petersburg. They command the construction of a new capital and a new fleet. The brothers talk about different things. Gavrila tells about the meeting with the royal sister Natalya. The fact that Karl, taking advantage of the European civil strife, ruins Poland and threatens Russia. Menshikov arrived, invited him to his governor's palace, where Peter soon arrived. At the table where the companions gathered, the king speaks of the need for a new assault on Narva.

Parts 5-6. Peter goes to the workers, sees how hard they live, how badly they eat. One of them - Andrey Golikov - shows his work - a charcoal image of a naval battle. The tsar decides to order a portrait of Katerina for him and then send him to study abroad.

Book III. A.N. Tolstoy, "Peter the Great", a summary of the chapters. Chapter 3

Parts 1-3. The Russian army led by the tsar comes to Narva. King Charles chases King August all over Poland, receives compliments about his invincibility and learns about the Russian offensive from the Polish king's envoy, who leads strange war between feasts and love pleasures, with the aim of playing off Karl and Peter.

Book III. Summary of "Peter 1", Alexei Tolstoy. Chapter 4

Parts 1-3. The commandant of Narva Horn is not going to give up, hoping for a detachment of Schlippenbach and the Swedish fleet suitable for help. But the ships of the Swedes were swept away by a strong storm and the supply of the fortress stopped. Menshikov lured out of the fortress by cunning and destroyed about a third of the troops.

Parts 4-6. King August, using the reinforcement of the Russian army, goes to Warsaw against Stanislav, the new king, appointed by the Sejm. Carl is on the run. The main thing for both kings is to take possession of the treasury.

Book III. A.N. Tolstoy, "Peter the First", summary. Chapter 5

Parts 1-6. Gavrila Brovkin gallops to Moscow with Peter's letter to the Prince-Caesar and with the artist Andrei Golikov. In Brovkin's house, they see a portrait of Alexandra Volkova in the form of Venus. Prince Romodanovsky, looking for a conspiracy, tortures the former priest, who knew the dissolute royal sisters Katka and Masha. Natalya Alekseevna asks Katerina about her life. They meet with Gavrila and arrange a merry feast with mummers. After the feast, Natalya and Gavrila are left alone.

Book III. Summary of "Peter 1" Tolstoy. Chapter 6

Parts 1-7. Another victory is won - Yuryev is taken. The assault was difficult, Sheremetiev, who commanded it, suddenly lost energy, and revived again when the tsar himself arrived. Peter summons Katerina. Menshikov defeats the Schlippenbach detachment, which was going to the aid of Narva.

1704. Capture of Narva

Both the family and the starving residents of Narva urge the commandant of Gorn to surrender, but he wants to fight. The disposition for the capture of the fortress was written by Field Marshal Ogilvie, who, in a conversation with the tsar, calls the Russian soldier an uncouth peasant with a gun. Peter does not object, but says that the Russian peasant is both dexterous and smart. He makes his own adjustments to the battle plan, which lead to a quick victory. Peter reproaches the surrendered commandant for stupid stubbornness and unnecessary sacrifices.

Unfinished epic

Alexey Nikolaevich Tolstoy worked on the book "Peter the Great" for about 15 years. The summary of his working materials spoke of grandiose plans to create an even larger chronicle of that era. But what the master managed to do has become a real classic of Russian literature.

Sanka jumped off the stove, hit the swollen door with her back. Yashka, Gavrilka and Artamoshka quickly got down after Sanka: all of a sudden they all wanted to drink, they jumped into the dark passage following the cloud of steam and smoke from the sour hut. A slightly bluish light shone through the snow through the window. Studeno. A tub of water was iced over, a wooden ladle was iced over.

The children jumped from foot to foot - everyone was barefoot, Sanka had a scarf tied around his head, Gavrilka and Artamoshka were in the same shirts, up to the navel.

- The door, catechumens! - shouted the mother from the hut.

Mother was at the stove. Lights lit up brightly on the shaft. A motherly wrinkled face lit up with fire. The most terrifying of all flashed from under the tattered board were teary eyes, as in an icon. Sanka was afraid for some reason, and slammed the door with all her might. Then she scooped up the fragrant water, took a sip, bit the ice and gave it to the brothers to drink. Whispered:

- Chilled? And then we run into the yard, we'll see - dad harnesses the horse ...

In the yard, my father harnessed to the sleigh. Quiet snow was falling, the sky was snowy, jackdaws were sitting on a high tynu, and it was not as cold here as in the passage. On the bat, Ivan Artemich, that was his mother's name, and in public, he himself in public - Ivashka, nicknamed Brovkin - a high cap pulled over his angry eyebrows. The red beard was not combed from the very cover ... The mittens stuck out behind the bosom of the homespun caftan, belted low with a bast, the bast shoes squealed angrily through the manure snow: the father did not get along with the harness ... The harness was rotten, only knots. Out of annoyance, he shouted at the black horse, the same as dad, short-legged, with a swollen belly:

- Pamper, unclean spirit!

The children had celebrated a small need at the porch and huddled on the icy threshold, although the frost was getting through. Artamoshka, the smallest, barely uttered:

- Nevermind, let's warm up on the stove ...

Ivan Artemich harnessed and began to water the horse from the tub. The horse drank for a long time, puffing out his shaggy sides: “Well, feed half-starving, I’ll drink plenty” ... Dad put on mittens, took a whip from the sleigh, from under the straw.

- Run to the hut, I'll take you! he shouted to the children. He fell sideways on the sleigh and, rolling out behind the gate, trotted past the tall fir trees strewn with snow to the son's estate. noble Volkov.

“Oh, it’s cold, fierce,” said Sanka.

The children rushed into the dark hut, climbed onto the stove, chattering their teeth. Under the black ceiling, warm, dry smoke swirled, escaping through the portage window above the door: the hut was heated in black. Mother was making dough. The yard was still prosperous - a horse, a cow, four hens. They said about Ivashka Brovkin: strong. They fell from the light into the water, the embers of the splinter hissed. Sanka pulled a mutton sheepskin coat over herself and her brothers, and under the sheepskin coat she again began to whisper about various passions: about those, don’t be mentioned, who rustle in the underground at night ...

- Just now, burst my eyes, I got scared ... At the threshold - litter, and on the litter - a broom ... I look from the stove - the power of the cross is with us! From under the broom - shaggy, with a cat's mustache ...

“Oh, oh, oh,” the little ones were afraid under the sheepskin coat.

A slightly beaten path led through the woods. Age-old pine trees blocked the sky. Windbreak, thicket - difficult places. By this land, Vasily, the son of Volkov, the year before last, was turned away from his father, a Moscow service nobleman. The local order gave Vasily four hundred and fifty acres, and thirty-seven souls with families were attributed to them.

Vasily set up the estate, but spent it, half of the land had to be mortgaged in the monastery. The monks gave money for high growth - twenty kopecks from the ruble. And it was necessary to be on the layout state service on a good horse, in armor, with a saber, with a squeaker, and to lead warriors with him, three men, on horses, in tagiles, in sabers, in saadaks ... He hardly raised such weapons with the money of the monastery. What about living on your own? And feed the housekeeper? And the growth pay the monks?

The royal treasury knows no mercy. Every year - a new order, new money - fodder, travel, tribute and dues. Will you get too much for yourself? And everyone asks the landowner why he is lazy to extort dues. You can't take more than one skin off a man. Under the late Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, the state was exhausted from wars, from unrest and riots. As the thief anathema Stenka Razin walked on the earth, the peasants forgot God. Slightly press harder, - teeth show like a wolf. From the hardships they flee to the Don - from where they can not be obtained with a letter or a saber.

The horse trudged along at a road trot, all covered with hoarfrost. The branches touched the arc, poured snow dust. Fluffy-tailed squirrels, clinging to the trunks, looked at the traveler - death in the forests was this squirrel. Ivan Artemich lay in the sledge and thought—the only thing left for the peasant was to think...

“Well, all right... Give this one, give this one... Pay this one, pay this one... But - abyss - such a state! - will you drink it? We do not run away from work, we endure. And in Moscow, the boyars began to ride in golden wagons. Give it to him for the wagon, the well-fed devil. Well, okay... You make it, take what you need, but don't be naughty... And this, guys, tear two skins - mischief. The sovereign's people are now divorced - spit, and there is a clerk, or a clerk, or a kisser sitting, writing ... And the peasant is alone ... Oh, guys, I'd better run away, the beast will break me in the forest, death is faster than this mischief ... So you are on us for a long time do not feed…”

Ivashka Brovkin thought maybe so, or maybe not. A Gypsy (nicknamed), a Volkovsky peasant, black, with gray hair, drove out of the forest onto the road, kneeling in a sleigh. For fifteen years he was on the run, staggering between the yards. But a decree was issued: to return to the landowners all the fugitives without a statute of limitations. The gypsy was taken near Voronezh, where he was a peasant, and returned to Volkov Sr. He again sharpened his bast shoes, - they caught him, and it was ordered to beat the Gypsy with a whip without mercy and keep him in prison - on Volkov’s estate, - and as soon as the skin healed, taking it out, beat him with a whip in another row without mercy and again throw him in prison, so that he, a rogue, a thief, would continue to run away. The only way the gypsy came to the rescue was that he was sent to Vasilyev's dacha.

- Great, - said the Gypsy to Ivan and moved into his sleigh.

- Great.

- I can not hear anything?

- Good as if nothing is heard ...

The gypsy took off his mitten, turned his mustache and beard, hiding his slyness:

- I met a man in the forest: the king, he says, is dying.

Ivan Artemich got up in the sleigh. The horror took ... "Whoa" ... He pulled off his cap, crossed himself:

- Who will they say is the king now?

- Okromya, he says, there is no one, like a little boy, Pyotr Alekseevich. And he barely dropped a tit...

- Well, boy! - Ivan put on his cap, his eyes turned white. - Well, guy ... Now wait for the boyar kingdom. We'll all fall apart...

- We'll disappear, or maybe nothing - that's it. - The gypsy slipped right up. He winked. - This man said - to be troubled ... Maybe we'll still live, we'll chew bread, tea - experienced. - The gypsy bared his lesha teeth and laughed, coughed at the whole forest.

The squirrel rushed from the trunk, flew across the road, snow fell, began to play with a column of needles in the oblique light. A big crimson sun hung at the end of the road over a hillock, over high palisades, steep roofs and smoke from the Volkov estate ...

Ivashka and Gypsy left their horses near the high gate. Above them, under a gable roof, is an image of the honest cross of the Lord. Further, an impenetrable tyn stretched around the entire estate. At least meet the Tatars ... The men took off their hats. Ivashka took the ring in the gate, said as it should be:

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us…

Creaking with his bast shoes, Averyan, the watchman, came out of the collar, looked through the crack, - his own. He said: Amen, - and began to open the gate.

The men led the horses into the yard. They stood without hats, looking askance at the mica windows of the boyar's hut. There, in the mansions, led a porch with a steep staircase. Beautiful carved wood porch, bulbous roof. Above the porch - a roof - a tent, with two half-barrels, with a gilded comb. The lower housing of the hut - podklet - from mighty logs. It was prepared by Vasily Volkov, under pantries for winter and summer stocks - bread, corned beef, pickles, various urinations. But, the peasants knew, he only had mice in his pantries. And the porch - God forbid another prince: a rich porch ...