The book includes the best stories of the largest Russian satirists of pre-revolutionary Russia Arkady Averchenko and Teffi. Most of these works are published in the USSR for the first time. A satirist who witnesses the “fatal moments” of the world inevitably turns into a tragedian. F. M. Dostoevsky astutely wrote in the 19th century that tragedy has always lived in the lining of Russian satire. The stories of Averchenko and Teffi during the civil war and emigration are imbued with truly tragic depth. It is no coincidence that these two authors were combined into one book; they have too much in common: an ideal, a symbol of faith, thoughtful and lively humor, and most importantly, a love for Russia that has passed all tests.