The review describes a new work by doctor of historical Sciences, Professor G. A. Grebenshchikova, dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the famous naval battle of the Russian fleet with the Turkish in the Chesma Bay in the Aegean sea on June 26, 1770. The scientific novelty of the research is obvious. The monograph is based on a solid documentary base of sources identified in the archives of St. Petersburg and Moscow. The author was able to study in details the first expedition of the Baltic fleet to the Mediterranean sea, analyze the military operations conducted there and the policy of the Russian command. An extensive new material on the relationship between Russian sailors and the Greek population has been introduced. The author uses modern works of Turkish historians. The roles of the commander-in-chief count A. G. Orlov, Admiral G. A. Spiridov and rear Admiral A.V. Elmanov are shown in a new way.