About the book: 2014 / May 4, 2013 marked 900 years since the accession to the Kiev throne of Grand Duke Vladimir Vsevolodovich, who went down in history under the name Vladimir Monomakh. An outstanding commander, an unsurpassed politician, a wise lawmaker, Vladimir Monomakh (1053-1125) also had a brilliant talent for writing. Perhaps this is why his works have survived almost a thousand years - in order to present us with all their richness a picture of the life of our glorious ancestors. Formally, the reign of Vladimir Monomakh did not last long - only twelve years (1113-1125). But we know that many years before his reign in Kyiv, Monomakh played a noticeable and often decisive role in the governance of Kievan Rus - both under his father, Grand Duke Vsevolod Yaroslavich (1078-1093), and under his uncle, Svyatopolk (1093 -1113). And after the death of Monomakh, his work was worthily continued by his eldest son Mstislav the Great (1125-1132). That is why half a century at the turn of the 11th-12th centuries can rightfully be called the era of Vladimir Monomakh. His reign became the highest point of ancient Russian statehood. Never before - neither under his outstanding grandfather Yaroslav the Wise, nor under his great-grandfather, the baptist of Rus', Saint Vladimir Svyatoslavich, Equal-to-the-Apostles - did Kievan Rus reach such a degree of unity and power. However, after the top the descent always begins. “A genius comes with the harbinger of benefits - and takes revenge for his departure with oppression,” said the poet. With the departure of Vladimir Monomakh, the sun of Russian glory set: the era of feudal fragmentation began. But the deeds of Vladimir Monomakh were not forgotten: his laws were in effect, his works served as a model for the best princes, and the instructions that he left in the Instructions to his sons taught perseverance, courage and truth future generations of Russian people in times of trials and turmoil. Along with Yaroslav the Wise and Alexander Nevsky, Vladimir Monomakh is still revered as one of the greatest rulers in the history of Russia, and his reign is recognized as the highest point of ancient Russian statehood. The electronic publication includes the full text of the paper book and selected part of illustrative documentary material. And for true connoisseurs of gift editions, we offer a classic book. Like all publications in the “Great Rulers” series, the book is equipped with detailed historical and biographical comments. The book contains an excellent selection of illustrative material: the text is accompanied by more than 200 rare illustrations from domestic and foreign sources, many of which the modern reader will become familiar with for the first time. Elegant design, beautiful printing, and the best offset paper make this series a wonderful gift and decoration for the library of the most discerning reader..