The library of the project “History of the Russian State” is the best monuments of world literature recommended by Boris Akunin, which reflect the biography of our country, from its very origins. The reign of Catherine II the Great, the Empress of All Russia, is one of the most significant in Russian history. Both his dark and bright sides had a tremendous influence on subsequent events, especially on the mental and cultural development of the country. The wife of Peter III was naturally gifted with a great mind and bright character; her husband, on the contrary, was a weak man, poorly brought up. Not sharing his pleasures, Catherine devoted herself to reading and soon moved from novels to historical and philosophical books. Gifted with literary talent, receptive and sensitive to the phenomena of life around her, she took an active part in the literature of her time. Catherine II left behind a huge archive. Her letters, notes, plays, historical, philosophical and journalistic works will amount to dozens of volumes.