The release of this wonderful book is dedicated to the 140th anniversary of the birth of F. I. Chaliapin. For many generations of opera singers, especially bass singers, Chaliapin became the standard of singing and acting skills, a source of inspiration and stimulus for searches on the way to the unattainable ideal of perfection in opera art.This book is an attempt to illuminate Chaliapin's work from different angles : and the manner of execution, and the aesthetic system, and the mystery of genius. The book is addressed primarily to opera singers (especially young ones who are just entering the opera stage), as well as conductors and opera directors, theater artists, concertmasters, theater audiences, and all educated people who are interested in gaining new knowledge, mastering new sides well, seemingly known aspects of human culture and spirit.