Alexander Nevsky

The novel “Alexander Nevsky,” continuing the cycle of historical novels by the outstanding writer Boris Vasilyev, opens before the reader a panorama of medieval Rus’. Prince Alexander Nevsky, a landmark figure in Russian history and one of the greatest rulers of our homeland, saves the country from complete destruction in the internecine wars during the hardest years of the Batu invasion. A brilliant commander and a brave warrior, he is famous above all as a hero who achieved great victories—he managed to defeat the Swedes in the Battle of the Neva, for which he earned his nickname, and he also routed the Crusaders’ army in the battle on Lake Peipus, halting the invasion of Catholic Christianization of Rus’. He was also a skillful diplomat—his policy toward the Horde khans was ahead of its time. Its foundation rests on principles that are well known today: “Not strength makes God—rather truth,” “To live without transgressing the boundaries of others,” and “He who comes to us with a sword will perish by the sword.” Famous battles, temptations of the spirit and victories over them, love and passion—everything this reader will find in Boris Vasilyev’s novel.