Book by historian-archivist N.Yu. Bolotina (Associate Professor at RANEPA) talks about the brilliant life of His Serene Highness Prince G.A. Potemkin-Tavrichesky, an outstanding administrator and commander of the second half of the 18th century. Much has been written about Potemkin. An unusual person, an extraordinary personality, the most illustrious one evoked a variety of emotions both among his contemporaries and his descendants. Some spoke only about the virtues and merits of Grigory Alexandrovich, others called laziness and oriental despotism the main qualities of the prince. The most contradictory opinions can still be heard about the “magnificent prince of Taurida”. Potemkin was not an ideal person; he was overwhelmed by strong passions, unimaginable desires, which he knew how to brilliantly implement. Ill-wishers argued that Potemkin’s activities were harmful to the country, and Empress Catherine II, his main patron and defender, never tired of thanking her favorite for his work for the good of the Fatherland.