The collection opens a series of books devoted to the history of Leningrad houses, with which the fates of many prominent figures of Russian culture are connected. The book will draw attention to these buildings, raise the question of their protection and thereby expand the reader's concept of a "historical and cultural monument." The first issue includes essays about the Fountain House, Vyacheslav Ivanov's "tower," Muruzi's house, K. May's gymnasium and other noteworthy houses of our city.