The book of the learned Father Pierling, “Dmitry the Pretender,” illuminates a critical period in Russian history, from the disappearance of the dynasty of kings, direct descendants of Rurik and Vladimir the Saint, to the early period of the Time of Troubles. The author paints the personality of False Dmitry I against a broad historical background, using data from Russian and Western European historical documents. The author was primarily interested in Russia's relations with the Roman Catholic Church during this period of time. Many of Pearling's provisions and his view of False Dmitry are of exceptional interest. The book is intended for a wide range of readers interested in Russian history.