A masterpiece by V. S. Pikul. A large-scale, intelligent, gripping novel about one of the most mysterious periods of Russian history—the era of Empress Anna Ioannovna’s reign. Before the reader, the astonishing world of palace coups and court intrigues comes alive: the omnipotence of the notorious Secret Chancery—and the fierce confrontation between the Russian nobility and the all-powerful favorite of the empress—Birоn…