In the book of memoirs of the last head of foreign intelligence of the KGB of the USSR L.V. Shebarshin recreated the events preceding the collapse of the Soviet Union, as well as those few days of the "August coup" of 1991, which became a turning point in the fate of a great country. The topics of recruiting work, relations with foreign agents, obtaining information, "illegal" intelligence are revealed against the background of the crisis of power and society, which also affected intelligence. More than 30 years have passed since the collapse of the USSR. Some of us managed to fully adapt to new realities. But not L.V. Shebarshin. The legendary intelligence officer, the head of foreign intelligence of the USSR, whose decency, honesty and courage were recognized even by his enemies, in 2012 took his own life. Is it because his sharp analytical mind, knowledge and experience were not needed by the rebuilt Russia... The book includes memoirs and interviews of the lieutenant general.