Book of M. Gordin "Catherine's Century" - the initial volume of the series "Past Petersburg. Panorama of metropolitan life" - is dedicated to the distinctive features of St. Petersburg manners of the second half of the 18th century. The city in question was the most open and hospitable in then Russia. It was an all-world intersection, where stormy and bright aspirations, ideas, fates collided - expanse for professional dares and adventurers, a cycle of incredible adventures, the focus of fabulous luxury.