The book "Collection of the best works" 1762.

A collection of the best works for the dissemination of knowledge and for the production of pleasure, or a mixed library about various physical, economic, also before manufactures and before commerce belonging to things. Ch.1-2. M., 1762. [2], X, 180, [4], 181-336 p. 20x12 cm. A rarity, first edition. A semi-annual set.

The book is "A collection of the best works for the dissemination of knowledge and for the production of pleasure, or a mixed library about various physical, economic, also before manufactures and before commerce owned things."

In an all-leather binding of the epoch. Triple tinted cut-offs. Excellent condition. On the title page is the owner's record of deacon Nikolai Gruzintsev, which we can date from 1853-1861, the time of his service in the Arkhangelsk Church of the city of Yaroslavl.

This publication is a vivid example of the active cultural policy of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, a consistent supporter of the philosophy of Enlightenment. The publication is associated with the recently opened Moscow University and the Noble Boarding School attached to it. The Boarding School educated young men from aristocratic families from 9 to 14 years old, from the age of 14-15 graduates became University students. All articles and materials of this collection of useful and pleasant knowledge were translated by young students of Moscow University. Most of the texts for the book were translated by the brothers Von Vizin, Denis and Pavel (Denis, who translated the texts for our collection, was about 17 years old, he was not yet a classic of Russian literature of the XVIII century, Pavel is even younger, he is about 15 years old, by the way, he is the future director of Moscow University), Artemy Vorontsov (he was 14 years old at that time), the future godfather of Pushkin. Each surname of the participant of this publication is a separate chapter of Russian history and culture.