Diary of General Patrick Gordon of Auchleuchries 1635-1699

Patrick Gordon (1635-1699), born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, was a Soldier of Fortune who became a Russian general under Tsar Peter I. He was a close friend and advisor to the Tsar. After his death in 1699, Gordon left detailed diary of his life and times, written in English and now edited by Dmitry Fedosov. The sixth and final volume covers the period in which Peter the Great launched his challenge to the traditional Russian system and set Russia on the path to great power status. Gordon played a part in the successful siege and defence of Azov, which firmly established Russian power on the Caspian Sea, and the crushing of the Revolt of the Streltsy, the most dangerous early challenge to Peter’s reforms. Gordon’s diary gives insight into these dramatic events and adds much to our knowledge Peter the Great.