The collection, compiled by the outstanding Russian literary critic and brilliant wit Z. Paperny (1919-1996), did not have time to be published during the author's lifetime. The book includes funny stories told by prominent figures of Russian culture (Chekhov, Mayakovsky, Tsvetaeva, Pasternak, etc.) or what happened to them. The reader will also find here apt expressions or sharp comments belonging to these artists words. A special section contains funny stories told by the compiler - Z. Paperny. Brilliant humor and inseparably merged sophisticated verbal skills turn the collection into a literary pearl.