Древняя Русь в лицах. Боги. Герои. Люди

The book "Ancient Rus' in Persons: Gods, Heroes, People" is a kind of encyclopedia of mythology, epic and history of pre-Petrine Russia. The outstanding philologist-folklorist and ethnographer, Professor B. N. Putilov (1919-1997) collected unique material that allows the reader to get acquainted with the main characters of pagan folk beliefs (supreme deities, creatures of lower demonology) and Christian (Virgin Mary, angels, most revered by Orthodox saints) of Rus'; with famous heroes of oral (epics, ballads, songs) and book (Yaroslavna, Boyan, Dracula, Thomas and Erema, etc.) epic; with famous figures of ancient Russian culture and statehood (princes, kings, educators, devotees of the faith, icon painters, etc.). Behind the bronze and varnish of historical reverence, the author reveals living human characters. The reader gets the opportunity to take a closer look at the faces of Ancient Rus', learn about its art, culture, and politics. The book's rich illustrations successfully complement the text. A sound scientific basis in this publication is combined with an engaging and accessible presentation, which allows it to be addressed to a wide range of readers.