The name and books of Pyotr Vasilyevich Polezhaev were widely known in pre-revolutionary times. The author of many interesting novels, easy to read, he amazingly described the eras of Princess Sophia, Peter I, Anna Ioannovna. The book that the reader now holds in his hands has rightfully received its rebirth. It tells in great detail, talentedly and intelligently about a very dark and ambiguous page in Russian history - about the fate of Peter I’s son from his first marriage, Tsarevich Alexei, full of deep tragedy and sorrow, about his strange and at first glance unnatural relationship with the Tsar-Sovereign.