The Memoirs of Princess Dashkova - Paperback

The Memoirs of Princess Dashkova - Paperback

$52.54
Sale price  $52.54 Regular price 
Skip to product information
The Memoirs of Princess Dashkova - Paperback

The Memoirs of Princess Dashkova - Paperback

$52.54
Sale price  $52.54 Regular price 

by Ekaterina Romanovna Dashkova (Author)

Ekaterina Romanovna Dashkova (1743-1810), Russian princess, playwright, author, President of the Academy of Sciences, and founder and Director of the Russian Academy, was one of the first women in Europe to hold public office. Her memoir, among the earliest examples of autobiography in Russia, is part of what has become a long and powerful tradition of autobiographical writing by Russian women. It offers a rare glimpse into the life of a strong and outspoken public figure who was well recognized in much of her own time for her potent intellect but who died in isolation and has largely been forgotten today.
Originally written in French, first published in English, and long out of print, Dashkova's Memoirs tell the story of a woman who at age eighteen played an important role in the coup that brought Catherine the Great to the throne. The relationship between these two women, often tense, is a central theme throughout this story. Dashkova, occupying the highly unusual position of both stateswoman and mother, also reveals her own path between the demands and limitations of the "private" and "public" spheres of her society. She provides a view of the expectations of Russian aristocratic women, the possibilities available to them, and the ways in which gender roles were conceived in the eighteenth century.
With a new introduction by Jehanne M Gheith, The Memoirs of Princess Dashkova will renew interest in the life of a fascinating woman for students of Russian history, women's studies, and eighteenth-century studies. It will be a significant text for those engaged in the cross-cultural study of the traditions of women's autobiographical writing.

Back Jacket

Dashkova's memoirs provide valuable insights into politics and court/aristocratic life that are not to be found elsewhere. Her fascinating account of life in (and after) the court of Catherine II is a unique and extremely important source for the study of 18th century Russia, all the more so today in light of feminist scholarship's foregrounding of writings by and about women.--Barbara T. Norton, Widener University

Author Biography

Jehanne M Gheith is Associate Professor in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, Duke University.

Number of Pages: 352
Dimensions: 1.02 x 9.3 x 6.2 IN
Illustrated: Yes
Publication Date: June 01, 1995

Intentional design

We make things that work better and last longer. Our products solve real problems with clean design.

Quality first

We obsess over the details and strive to deliver the best products at the best prices, every time.

Customer care

We're always on your side: keeping our loyal customers happy is our top priority and number one goal.

Feature 1

Made with care and unconditionally loved by our customers, this signature bestseller exceeds all expectations.

Feature 2

Made with care and unconditionally loved by our customers, this signature bestseller exceeds all expectations.

At the heart of every product lies a unique story, driven by our passion for quality and innovation. Each item enhances your everyday life and sparks joy.