Pyotr Nikolaevich Polevoy (1839–1902) was a famous writer, historian, and teacher whose life and work became an important page in the development of Russian culture. The son of Nikolai Alekseevich Polevoy, one of the pioneers of Russian journalism, he graduated from the Faculty of History and Philology of St. Petersburg University, where he later taught. His scientific and pedagogical work also covered Novorossiysk and Warsaw Universities, but Polevoy gained his greatest fame as a writer and popularizer of history.
In St. Petersburg, where he moved in 1871, Polevoy took up literary work, publishing critical articles on the history of Russian literature and running a publishing house. His "History of Russian Literature in Essays and Biographies" and "Educational Russian Reader" enjoyed well-deserved success, and his historical novels and short stories were reprinted many times, finding a response from a wide audience.
This edition presents the historical novel "Rival Brothers", dedicated to the dramatic events of the era of the transfer of power in Russia at the end of the 17th century. The main characters, cousins Princes Boris Alekseevich and Vasily Vasilyevich Golitsyn, find themselves on opposite sides of the political struggle. Boris Alekseevich supports the Naryshkin party, who stand for the ascension of Peter I to the throne, while Vasily Vasilyevich becomes a supporter of the Miloslavskys, who defend the interests of Princess Sophia and her brother Ivan.
The novel immerses the reader in the complex world of court intrigues, political passions and the struggle for power, where not only the interests of the state collide, but also personal ambitions, as well as family relationships. Polevoy masterfully recreates the historical atmosphere, depicting in detail the era, vivid characters and fateful events.
"Rival Brothers" is not just a historical narrative, but also a profound study of human nature, the confrontation of ideas and destinies. The book will be a real find for those interested in Russian history, as well as for fans of vivid and fascinating prose. This edition is made taking into account the best traditions of translation and editing, allowing you to fully enjoy this literary masterpiece.
