St. Petersburg and Its People, or Peter I's Paradise

St. Petersburg is the only city in Russia that was created with the status of a capital already in place. So there were no special rivals—what would be the point, if you know in advance that defeat is guaranteed? Petersburg is a city-dream, a ghost city, a place of unimaginable contradictions: it’s where poverty and luxury coexist, glory and oblivion live side by side. Here the brightest events happen—and the most terrible crimes. For centuries, royal people ruled here, and here their power also came to an end. It’s time to look into various corners of St. Petersburg and tell what we saw there. Where Petersburgers lived, what they ate, how they rested and amused themselves—and where they preferred not to go—everything is told in the most frank way. This book is a real encyclopedia of Petersburg life; after reading it, you won’t have any questions for this magnificent city.