The book makes an attempt at a modern reading of many works of Russian science fiction published from 1917 until recently. The author often questions the fairness of the place they have occupied for many years in the “table of ranks.” At the same time, using specific examples, the author expresses his understanding of what science fiction is, why it is needed, and what its “ecological niche” is in the boundless literary ocean. For a wide range of readers.

Vsevolod Aleksandrovich Revich (1929–1997) is a famous literary and film critic, specialist in the genre of science fiction, adventure and detective stories, a member of two creative unions (journalists and filmmakers), compiler of collections, anthologies, encyclopedias, libraries, author of numerous articles, brochures, prefaces and reviews. At various times he worked at Literaturnaya Gazeta, held the position of executive secretary of the magazines Soviet Screen and Literary Review, and editor-in-chief of the Cinema Center. In recent years, through his efforts, many works of genres of interest to him, previously published but firmly forgotten, were found and saw the light of day again, including such famous authors as Wells, Conan Doyle, Jacolliot, Boussenard, etc. In addition, Vsevolod Alexandrovich was A passionate amateur photographer, many of his works have been published in magazines and newspapers. But there are very few portraits of his own left...