This book is the first in a series written by N.Ya. Eidelman specifically for youth. The story of the "eighteenth century" is based on an analysis of the most interesting events (the constant struggle for the throne, the development of Kamchatka and the Kuriles, the Pugachev riot) and vivid portraits of heroes, participants in the historical process - Elizabeth and Catherine II, Paul I, A. Radishchev, Prince M. Shcherbatov... The author pays special attention to the behind-the-scenes side of history - the secrets of palace coups. The winners are known to everyone, and the fate of the victims is far from everyone...