A series of novels by A. Dumas is dedicated to the history of France on the eve and during the Great French Revolution of the late 18th century: “Giuseppe Balsamo”, “The Queen’s Necklace”, “Ange Pitou” and “The Countess de Charny”. This series is called “Notes of a Doctor.” The novel is set in 1770–1774. The narrative of “Giuseppe Balsamo” is based on actual historical events and the fate of real people. At the center of the novel is the mysterious figure of the famous Alessandro Cagliostro (1743–1795), idealized by the author, one of the leaders of European Freemasonry, who dreams of universal brotherhood and happiness. He performs under one of his pseudonyms - Giuseppe Balsamo. Illustrations by E. Ganeshina