The book in a lively journalistic form tells about the formation and first steps of the Russian diplomatic service in the XV-XVII centuries. The author talks about the then existing procedure for sending Russian ambassadors abroad, on the rules of conduct of foreign representatives at the courts of European and Asian monarchs, on the procedure for conducting negotiations, drawing up diplomatic documents, on the ceremonial that dominated the royal audiences, during gala dinners, receptions of foreign embassies, etc. A large place is given to the activity of Russian diplomacy in the era of Ivan the Terrible. Examples of the activities of Russian and foreign diplomats of that time are given.