The new, already eleventh, book by the famous Odessa historian Viktor Savchenko is devoted to a topic that has been hushed up for many years - the influence of the Masonic movement on internal political processes in Eastern European countries, the role of Freemasons in shaping the architectural appearance, culture and elite of Odessa. For the first time, Viktor Savchenko highlighted the significant role of Freemasonry in the founding and development of Odessa. The book destroys the myth of the Freemasons as a “destructive sect of devil worshipers.” The names of the Freemasons given in the book speak for themselves: Suvorov, Kutuzov, Deribas, Langeron, Richelieu, Vorontsov... You may not agree with some controversial assumptions, but they fascinate, awaken thoughts, and turn to analogies. This book will be a revelation for readers who are interested in the history of Odessa and are not devoid of imagination. The author never belonged to the Masonic order and, being an independent scientist, strives for an objective understanding of the unique and universal phenomenon of Freemasonry. The book is intended for a wide range of readers.