Builders of the Empire. Essays on the state and criminal activities of Peter the Great's associates.

The basis of the book is a series of biographical essays dedicated to the semi-forgotten associates of Peter the Great - prominent representatives of the ruling elite of the early 18th century, whose efforts laid the foundation of imperial Russia. The biographies of M.P. Avramov, A.P. Veselovsky, A.A. Kurbatov, G.G. Skornyakov-Pisarev, D.A. Solovyev, P.P. Shafirov illuminate the psychological and moral image of the "lords of high command" of the era of transformations, characterize the customs prevailing in Peter the Great's circle. Thanks to the use of a wide range of archival materials published for the first time and the author's captivating writing style, the reader becomes a witness to the events of state building in the 1700s-1710s, conflicts within the government environment, and even crimes in which many of Peter's "nestlings" were involved. 2nd edition, revised.