Protopop Avvakum (1620-1682) - a recognized leader of the Old Believer movement that began in the 1650s, a well-known fighter for the truth against "primary people," a talented preacher, well-known in Moscow, including the young Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, who sometimes attended his sermons. The autobiographical "Life," written by him in the earthen prison of northern Pustozersk, is a unique and peculiar work of Russian literature of the 17th century, created in a turning point in the development of Russian society, at a time of intense destruction of the literary traditions of the Russian Middle Ages. The artistic expressiveness of "Life," in which Avvakum described the key moments of his life and the struggle against the church innovations of Patriarch Nikon and the arbitrariness of the authorities, lively Russian speech, vivid images, outstanding historical figures of that time, emotionality and sincerity of tone attract readers' hearts to him, different eras and peoples.