This book is a continuation of two previously published books on economic and political journalism by Grigory Yavlinsky (“Ten Years”, 1999 and “Everything is Ahead”, 2003). It covers the period from 2004 to 2007. It contains articles, interviews and speeches during this time.

I would like to draw attention to the differences between this book and the two previous ones. Firstly, this is a mood that is well conveyed by book titles. From the neutral “Ten Years” through the warning and ironic “Everything is Ahead” to the alarmingly sober “To make it before sunset”. What is this - fatigue, disappointment? Reading the book convinces me that it is not. This is, first of all, concern for the fate of one’s country and an in-depth analysis, which often leads to disappointing conclusions.

Secondly, this book lacks a journalistic genre, widely represented in the previous two - speeches in the State Duma . For reasons that are detailed in several interviews and articles in this book, Yavlinsky did not enter the last Duma. What Russia's public policy has lost from this is that its citizens judge it, but the book has gained from it. In general, the period from 2004 to 2007 turned out to be very fruitful for Yavlinsky. During this time, his doctoral dissertation “The socio-economic system of Russia and the problem of its modernization” (2005) was written and defended, his two main economic works were published - “Incentives and Institutions” (2007, co-authored with S. Braginsky) and “Russian Economic System . Present and Future" (2007), many interesting and deep articles included in this book. It is a mystery to me how Yavlinsky manages to combine scientific work with intense political activity. Apparently, the scientist receives a lot of food for analysis from the politician, and the politician borrows a lot from the scientist.

If you read all three of Yavlinsky’s journalistic books, then the entire history of modern Russia will pass before your mind’s eye, seen through the eyes of a caring, knowledgeable, experienced and a brave man.