Maksimov Sergey Vasilievich (1831 -1901) - famous in the late XIX - early XX century. writer, ethnographer-fiction writer, traveler, researcher of customs and traditions, language, beliefs of the Russian people. Readers are offered the book "Unclean Power," based on materials recorded by researchers of folk culture and life in villages and villages at the end of the 19th century. The work is devoted to customs and superstitions, beliefs in brownies, goblin, witches, water, mermaids, etc. Contained in a book written in simple and figurative language, information about the life of the Russian people will arouse great interest among a wide range of readers.