The famous historical epic is a novel-trilogy by the outstanding Russian Soviet writer Vyacheslav Yakovlevich Shishkov (1873–1945) about the life and struggle of the Don Cossack Emelyan Pugachev, the leader of the most massive peasant uprising against the authorities in Russia in the 18th century. The first book tells about his youth, Cossack prowess, participation in wars and numerous battles. Until a certain turning point, Emelyan was an exemplary soldier and was repeatedly mentioned in reports for his courage and bravery. But due to illness, he was forced to leave the service and ended up among the wanted criminals...