. Ivan Antonovich (Antipovich) Efremov (1908-1972) - Soviet paleontologist, geologist, navigator and science fiction writer. This edition includes his historical dilogy "The Great Arc" and eleven wonderful stories. "The Great Arc" ties together the aspirations and hopes of the heroes of two stories - dreamers, comrades and freedom fighters. The stories of the collection tell the story of heroes - paleontologists, geologists, sailors, pilots who overcome themselves and make amazing discoveries. The texts of the publication are illustrated by soulful and expressive drawings of the modern artist Anastasia Slon.