Prose masterpiece of the Czech-Slovak folk writer Vladislav Vanchura (1891-1942) - "Paintings from the History of the Czech People" - a work that recreates the spirit of several centuries of Russian history, in which the master combines the genre of historical chronicle traditional for Czech literature with the concentrated dramatic action of the novel. In terms of monumentality, combined with tragedy and humor, historical accuracy and poetry, romantic pathos, this chronicle of the past occupies a worthy place in world literature. The first volume includes "Paintings" - Ancient Homeland, State of Samo, Emergence of the Czech State, Great Moravia, Renovator, Kosmas, Slaves, Peasant Prince. It is published in Russian for the first time, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the writer's birth.