The historical and biographical book by L. M. Lyashenko is one of the first studies in world literature that attempts to comprehensively describe the life of a person who occupies an exceptional place among Russian autocrats. The personality of Alexander II, overshadowed by the grandeur of his reforms, primarily the abolition of serfdom, appears in all the fullness of human traits, everyday actions and acts of state. Along with the contradictory nature of the Tsar-Liberator, whose royal loneliness was torn apart by Narodnaya Volya bombs, the book displays images of his lovers and wives, provides a gallery of living portraits of people in the imperial entourage, and comprehends the very nature of supreme power. The drama of life, the glory and infamy of Alexander II are shown on a wide scale historical background, revealed on a variety of memoirs and archival materials.