About the book: 2014 / The famous Russian traveler and naval commander Mikhail Petrovich Lazarev (1788-1851) made three voyages around the world during his life. During these voyages, the sixth continent of the Earth - Antarctica, hundreds of islands, bays and other objects were discovered and mapped. It was a wonderful time. There were many blank spots left on the planet, and a serious journey was certainly not contemplation, but a feat and discovery. And here is such an opportunity: the blank spot that had to be put on the map is an entire continent, which means an opportunity to put your name in history next to the great names of Columbus, Magellan, Cook. But the young captain Mikhail Lazarev, like other participants in the first Russian Antarctic expedition, my head was not spinning from such prospects. He is a sailor, a captain, he was trained to carry out tasks, no matter how difficult they may be. He already had experience of circumnavigating the world, by the way, only the fourth in the history of the Russian fleet. So pathos and anguish are the lot of writers, and polar sailors had a clear task - to find Antarctica and put it on the map. However, the practicality of the approach did not mean that the task itself ceased to be interesting, outstanding and risky. And now, with the simply fantastic development of technology, Antarctic expeditions, even cruises along the coast of Antarctica on the most comfortable ships, are still a test. But two centuries ago there were only sails and the simplest instruments. Lazarev and his subordinates understood the risk they were taking and realized that not everyone would return. But there was no doubt “to go or not to go.” And they walked, discovered new lands and returned home. And all this is not based on sheer enthusiasm, not on the principle of “on your word of honor and on one wing,” but based on careful preparation, precise calculations, strict discipline and proven art of navigation. Just one participation in the first Antarctic expedition would be enough to write your name in the annals of world civilization. But Mikhail Lazarev made three such voyages. And then he devoted almost two decades to the Black Sea Fleet. Under him, Sevastopol, Nikolaev, Kherson were built and developed, the great Nakhimov, Kornilov, Istomin grew and studied in the future. Now it is simply called: “Lazarev’s era.” A worthy life of a worthy man who never sought fame at any cost, but who found it for centuries... The documents presented in this book, the testimonies of Lazarev himself and his contemporaries, expedition participants, do not just record events and discoveries - they give the reader the opportunity to immerse himself into the atmosphere of the past, during the times of great geographical discoveries. The electronic publication of M. P. Lazarev’s book includes all the texts of the paper book and basic illustrative material. But for true connoisseurs of exclusive publications, we offer a gift classic book. The paper edition is richly designed: it contains more than 200 illustrations, including rare ancient maps and unique drawings, many of which were made directly during the voyages. The publication is printed on beautiful offset paper. In terms of the richness and variety of illustrative material, the books in the “Great Travels” gift series are not inferior to art albums. Editions of the series will adorn any, even the most sophisticated library, and will be a wonderful gift for both young readers and discerning bibliophiles..