E. Lobanov's book covers the most vivid and memorable events of the distant past of our city. Working for two decades in the Museum of Local Lore, the author bit by bit collected rare materials in the archives and libraries of the USSR, which he fully used in this work. At the same time, he sought not to repeat what had already been written on this topic by his predecessors, but to present his vision of events. The most valuable are essays about a whole galaxy of outstanding historical figures who left a bright mark in our rich past. The names of some of them for many Bender residents will sound for the first time and will arouse increased interest. The rich factual material of the book is harmoniously complemented by skillfully selected illustrations, most of which were not found in urban publications. Designed for everyone who is keenly interested in Bender's rich history.