In encyclopedias, Pyotr Ivanovich Rychkov is presented in different ways: in one he is called a brave and tireless traveler-naturalist, in another - a historian and geographer, in a third - a writer, in a fourth - a scientist, the first corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences... Who? was he for real? It turns out that they are both, and third, and fourth at the same time. Rychkov’s multifaceted ascetic talent was highly appreciated by V. Tatishchev, M. Lomonosov, Catherine II and many outstanding compatriots. This book reveals the good name of the Russian patriot, little known to the general reader.