The thirst for power is the strongest instinct of human behavior. This is what F. Nietzsche thought. It is the thirst for power that explains many historical events, political intrigues and conspiracies. This book tells about the most famous and significant political conspiracies of Russian history, about the insatiable thirst for power and the crimes that it leads to. The author invites the reader to trace the long and winding path of palace secrets and coups, both successful and unsuccessful; mentally transport yourself to where the plans of the conspirators and intriguers matured - into the boyars' mansions, palace corridors and monastery cells.