This book is a collection of “variegated chapters” about people whose biography, fate, and creativity remained in memory not only as extraordinary, unusual, mysterious and unknown, but also brought us talented works of art that are forever imprinted in the memory of mankind. The book is written in accessible language and contains extensive illustrative material. Problematic and controversial issues, the noticeable subjectivity of the author and his attitude towards his characters do not interfere with the reader's pleasure and discovery of new things. The book may be interesting and curious to everyone who is not indifferent to the life history of outstanding and often mysterious, and even completely mythical personalities.