The monograph is dedicated to the first Russian English textbooks. The reasons for their appearance, the status of the English language and English cultural influence, as well as the context and conditions for teaching living European languages ​ ​ in Russia of the 18th century are considered. Separate chapters are devoted to educational English-Russian phrasebooks, which served the role of not only presenting practical language material, but also served as manuals on European etiquette and culture.