About the book: 2011 / Grigory Aleksandrovich Potemkin (1739–1791) - great Russian statesman, count, His Serene Highness Prince (Potemkin-Tauride), Field Marshal General. Favorite, and from June 8, 1774, according to some sources, morganatic husband of Catherine II. Member of the Russian Academy since 1783. In the “golden” 18th century, there was no one to put Grigory Alexandrovich next to Grigory Alexandrovich in terms of scale, role, significance and results of his activities. Under the leadership of Potemkin, the Northern Black Sea region was developed in just 10 years. The cities of Kherson, Ekaterinoslav, Nikolaev, Sevastopol, Nikopol, Pavlograd were founded, and a port was built in Feodosia. Potemkin is known as the founder of the Black Sea Fleet. “In the meantime,” the prince was keen on creating English parks and French vineyards in the Crimea, thought about improving the breed of sheep and preserving the ancient fortresses and palaces of the peninsula. What was really the magnificent prince of Taurida, the most serene prince of the Roman Empire, the first and best associate of Catherine the Great? Why was Potemkin appreciated by the Austrian Emperor Joseph II, loved by Suvorov, Ushakov, and Derzhavin and Sumarokov left laudatory odes full of sincere admiration. So why was the prince so unloved in his fatherland??..