The book introduces the general reader to interesting monuments of the past - Russian city emblems. It tells about the historical conditions, time and reasons for the appearance of urban emblems in Russia, about their use in public life. The reader will get an idea of ​ ​ how the emblems that make up the coats of arms were formed, who, where and when composed and painted them. The question of the emergence and functioning of urban emblems is linked to the general problems of the Russian city, in particular with the policy of autocracy in relation to cities. The issues of ideology, spiritual life and culture of Russian society are touched upon. Numerous facts are given about the institutions that took part in the development of urban emblems, about individuals - famous historians and statesmen who created projects of territorial emblems, as well as about direct performers, previously unknown talented self-taught artists and professionals.