The book presents the main nodes of Russian history - the Baptism of Russia, the Neva Battle, the Ice Battle, the Poltava Battle, the Patriotic War of 1812, the First World War, the Second World War. The book is characterized by a combination of accuracy, clarity, clarity of thought, persuasiveness of conclusions with the "innermost warmth of patriotism." Its author, Doctor of Historical Sciences Vladimir Vladimirovich Vasilik, is a recognized historian and general specialist who is freely guided both in complex issues of the history of Byzantium and Ancient Russia, and in difficult problems of the history of the Great Patriotic War, both in military operations and in spiritual life. The book opens with a preface by the famous historian, veteran of the Great Patriotic War, Doctor of Historical Sciences M.I. Frolova.