The novel by the popular prose writer allows us to look into the depths of the era now called Peter the Great, and is written on the most interesting historical material, incorporating facts little known to a wide audience. Aiming for a great goal, committing deeds fateful for the country, Peter I is represented as a global, pan-European figure. However, it is more important for the author to show the inner appearance of the emperor: he examines in detail the spiritual qualities of Peter I, comprehends the turning points of his spiritual life, reveals the dramatic pages of his personal, including family and love, biography. D. Granin’s work is unusual in form and significant in content, written in bright, figurative language, with great respect for the main character.