Shapi Kaziev's book tells the story of the life of Imam Shamil (1797-1871), the legendary commander of the Caucasian War, an outstanding scientist and statesman. The author vividly illuminates episodes of the eventful history of the Caucasus, introduces the reader to the atmosphere of confrontation between great powers and strong personalities, and takes him into the world of peoples similar to the multi-colored carpet and multi-layered steel of a mountain dagger. The leitmotif of the book is the triumph of peace over war, the affirmation of justice and human dignity, which history teaches, helping to avoid tragic mistakes. Among the historical materials used, the author for the first time introduces into scientific circulation many new archival documents, memoirs, letters and other evidence from contemporaries of the events described. New edition The book has been significantly improved by the author.