About the book: 2004 / The spirit of St. Petersburg of the 18th century - the architecture of famous palaces, painting, theater, decorative and applied arts, the life and passions of monarchs and important dignitaries - everything that gives life to the glory and greatness of this city is the focus of the author, who does not forget to pay attention to the everyday life of the townspeople. Accompanying his own impressions of acquaintance with the historical monuments of the city with curiosities and historical anecdotes, Christopher Marsden vividly, originally, although somewhat subjectively, recreates the realities of St. Petersburg life of that era.