The book is dedicated to A.F. Kokorinov (1726–1772), an outstanding Russian architect who laid the foundation for the formation in Russia of the principles of a new stylistic direction - classicism.

The first teacher of the architectural class of the Academy of Arts, Kokorinov trained such masters as V.I. Bazhenov, I.P. Starov and other architects of the Russian school of classicism. He was also the main author and builder of the world-famous building of the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, deservedly considered the pinnacle of early classical architecture in Russia.

Based on a thorough study of archival and literary sources, this monograph for the first time provides a consistent presentation of the life and creative path of a major an architect whose work until recently was assessed very controversially.