Historical narratives about Russia often emphasize military conflicts and heroic deeds, which leads to an incomplete picture of the past. However, as the author notes, figures who did not participate in battles also deserve attention.
In the book titled 'People and Cities: A Guide to Medieval Russia' (also known as 'Individuum'), the writer, poet, and journalist Ivan Davydov illuminates the life of pre-Petrine Rus'. He tells about various types of people from that time—holy fools, pilgrims, icon painters, and others—who even during periods of greatest cruelty and indifference found inner strength to resist.
This edition was included in a short list of candidates for the 'Enlightener' Award 2026. For example, the book presents a fragment dedicated to the city of Yaroslavl, as well as frescoes created by the icon painter Gury Nikitin.