The book is devoted to the formation of the guard during the reign of Peter the Great as a special, largely unique structure within the framework of the system of Russian statehood. The author dwells in detail on the creation, organization and functioning of L.-G. Preobrazhensky and Semenovsky regiments, analyzes the process of vesting the guard of the late XVII - first quarter of the XVIII century. super powers and extraordinary privileges, recreates the system of relations between the guard and Emperor Peter I, explores the complex of interpersonal ties within the corporation itself.