The publication includes diaries and commemorative notes of the famous Russian illustrator, arms historian Alexander Borisovich Zhuk (1922-2002), the author of numerous books on small arms, well known to a wide range of readers both in our country and abroad. But unlike other memoiristics, this book is special. And special because it is not limited only to the presentation of the text of memories and photographic material associated to one degree or another with the life and work of A. B. Zhuk over the years. But because it introduces the reader to another facet of the talent of this famous artist unknown to the general public, presenting him not only as a weapons historian, but also as an excellent battle painter, as well as a patriot and citizen.