The son of a Cossack, Matvey Ivanovich Platov eventually became a cavalry general, ataman of the Don Army and count of the Russian Empire. Milestones along its path were Ochakov and Ishmael, Preisisch-Eylau and Borodino, a long road from Moscow to Paris. In his declining years, he gained so much fame that it would be more than enough for a dozen combat generals. He was idolized by Cossacks and soldiers, appreciated by commanders, received and awarded by the monarchs of Europe, praised by poets and glorified by writers. But he was ridiculed and poured mud envious and ill-wishers. Apologetics and outright lies weirdly intertwined in his biographies. The book offered to the attention of readers is by far the most complete biography of the chieftain. Relying exclusively on historical sources, the author tried to create a genuine image of the hero - with all his advantages and disadvantages.