an historical document of the first importance. He intended to write a history of his own times with Peter the Great as the central figure, but got no further than the summary, entitled History of Tsar Peter Aleksievich and the People Nearest to Him (1682-1694). His vast archive was published in the 19th century, revealing Kurakin as a master of literary style. He is held responsible for introducing many new words to the Russian language. Family Kurakin's descendants were also noted for their diplomatic careers. His son Alexander (1697–1749) was likewise ambassador to Paris, whereas the latter's grandson Alexander Kurakin (1752–1818) served as ambassador to Paris and Vienna under Alexander I and Vice-Chancellor of the Russian Empire in 1796. References External links 1676 births 1727 deaths Diplomats of the Russian Empire Politicians of the Russian Empire Gediminids 18th-century diplomats of the Russian Empire 17th-century Russian people 18th-century writers from the Russian Empire 18th-century male writers Ambassadors of the Russian Empire to France Battle of Poltava Writers from the Russian Empire Ambassadors of the Russian Empire to the United Kingdom