Timofey Nikolayevich Granovsky, a renowned professor of history, was born in 1813 into a family of moderately wealthy landowners. His mother, from a wealthy Little Russian family, had a positive influence on him. Granovsky's home education focused on studying French and English.

At the age of 13, he entered the Kister boarding school in Moscow, where he studied for two years, and then remained at home without constant guidance until he was 18. In 1831, Granovsky began working in the Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in St. Petersburg, but soon decided to enter university, as bureaucratic work did not attract him.

He enrolled in the law faculty, as he did not have sufficient command of ancient languages to study in the humanities faculty, and focused more on literature, history, and philosophy. At university, Granovsky faced financial difficulties due to his father's carelessness, who often delayed sending money.

In 1835, he graduated from university and began working as a secretary in the Hydrographic Department. His literary talents attracted attention, and he gradually began engaging in journalistic activities. Thanks to his acquaintance with V.K. Rzhevsky, Granovsky had the opportunity to go abroad to prepare for a professorship in universal history.

He spent most of his two-year assignment in Berlin, attending lectures by renowned professors such as Ranke and Savigny. However, his communication with N.V. Stankevich, who became his friend back in Russia, had a greater influence on his study of philosophy.

Returning to Moscow in the fall of 1839, Granovsky began giving lectures that quickly won the sympathy of students due to his poetic style and warm presentation. His public lectures attracted the attention of Moscow society, and he delivered them three times: in 1843-44 on the history of the Middle Ages, in 1845-46 on comparative history of England and France, and in 1851, the famous four characteristics.

Granovsky was reluctant to write, so he left behind less than he could have. In 1845, he published his master's thesis, and in 1849, his doctoral dissertation. His works illuminated various aspects of history, and he sought to connect cultural history into a cohesive whole.

After returning from abroad, Granovsky took an important place among the young professors of Moscow University, opposing the 'official' spirit and supporting liberal ideas. He disagreed with some trends in society, including the idealization of ancient culture by the Slavophiles.

Granovsky supported the ideas of Peter the Great and liberal movements in Europe, but did not expect a quick victory. His disagreements with Herzen, who had turned to materialism, became evident. Granovsky did not support Herzen's foreign activities, although he was dissatisfied with the living conditions in Russia.

In the last years of his life, Granovsky suffered from melancholy and apathy, which worsened during the Crimean War. He sought solace in card games, which rarely brought him luck. His health was weak, and on October 4, 1855, he passed away at the age of 42 after a short illness.