Leon Blois (1846–1917), an original, categorical writer, is very in tune with modern Russia. Nikolai Berdyaev, who admired the integrity and spiritual maximalism of Blois, rated him unusually highly and dedicated a large essay to him, “The Knight of Poverty.” In this edition, this essay is published as an introductory article. Bloy's bright, paradoxical, metaphorical prose amazes with its combination of the highest literary skill, fiery religious faith, sometimes bordering on fanaticism, and peculiar humor. The book includes three works relating to different periods of Blois’s work: the philosophical pamphlet “The Blood of a Poor Man” (1909), the satirical “Interpretation of Common Places” (1902–1913, published in abbreviation) and the historical essay “The Soul of Napoleon” (1912). Edition carried out within the framework of the Pushkin publishing program with the support of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the French Embassy in Russia.