This is the first complete biography of the outstanding Russian general and diplomat Count N. P. Ignat'ev (1832-1908) who negotiated the important treaties of Beijing and San Stefano. The book focuses on his brilliant career in Central Asia as a leading player in the "Great Game", China and especially as ambassador in Constantinople, 1864-77., where he acquired the monikers "the Vice-Sultan" for his powerful position there and "Father of Lies" for his alleged tendency to tell fibs (a reputation here reassessed).