When we read a book about adventures, sometimes the most incredible and dangerous, and are captivated by what the author is talking about, we begin to be interested in the authenticity of what is depicted. “Could all this really have happened? - we ask ourselves. — Are the events described real? Did, say, Captain Nemo, d'Artagnan, Jean Valjean, Munchausen, Tartarin really exist?..” The answer to these questions will be given by the book you are holding in your hands. Lifting the veil on the mystery of creating outstanding works, the author acts as a “literary detective” who confronts fact and fiction. Getting to know the life stories of the people who served as prototypes for your favorite heroes will help you take a fresh look at famous books.