Al. Altaev is the pseudonym of one of the oldest Soviet writers Margarita Vladimirovna Yamshchikova (1872-1959). She devoted her long creative life to the creation of historical novels. The book is published in connection with the 100th anniversary of the author's birth. The preface by N. Letova and B. Letov "The Biographer and Chronicler of the Past" tells about the life and career of Al. Altaev. Woodcuts by L. Durasov. There are three stories in the book: "Leonardo da Vinci," "Under the Banner of the Shoe" and "Stepsons of the Academy."