About the book: 2021 / One of the most tragic pages of Russian history is the relationship between Empress Catherine II and her only son Paul, who, against his mother’s wishes, came to power after her death. But he did not have to reign for long (1796–1801), and his government reforms aroused the anger and indignation of the ruling elite. Some called Paul the Russian Hamlet, others called him the first and only anti-noble tsar, and others called him a crazy maniac. Historians in Russia remained silent about the tragic fate of this extraordinary personality for more than a hundred years after the regicide. But even later, in the 20th century, the activities of Emperor Paul I were discussed extremely one-sidedly, relying more on legends than on historical facts. Mikhail Vostryshev’s book, based on true facts, gives a multifaceted portrait of the most mysterious Russian emperor, not understood by his contemporaries, nor by descendants.