The book by Vladimir V. Wiedemann - a journalist, writer, historian and anthropologist - opens the door to the social and spiritual underground that seethed under the cover of official ideology in the last decade of the USSR. The era of stagnation is approaching its apotheosis; freedom-loving youth and people with increased demands for creative fulfillment are striving to leave the country in any direction. Perestroika ruins everyone's plans, but also opens up new opportunities. Together with the author, we will dive into the secret life of Soviet informals, many of whom later took important places in the history of Russia.