Written by Ruslan Grigorievich Skrynnikov more than a quarter of a century ago, the scientific and artistic biography of two outstanding historical figures of Russia - the Nizhny Novgorod merchant Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky - has long been recognized as a classic. Based on extensive documentary material, the author recreates not only the life path of his heroes, but also the entire grandiose panorama of the Russian Troubles - the civil war of the early 17th century. This is the second edition of the book. The new edition of the book has been significantly improved by the author.