Historical fiction by Daniil Lukich Mordovtsev—who wrote dozens of novels and novellas—was among the most read in Russia in the 19th century. Interest in it has not disappeared even today.
In the novel "Mr. Great Novgorod" the author reflects his attitude toward the tragedy that was unfolding in Russian history starting from the 15th century, during the period when Russian lands were being united around Moscow. He vividly shows how the ruling authorities, in order to increase their privileges and satisfy their personal ambitions, under the pretext of fighting for religious and political unity sowed turmoil among the people, pushed them toward schism, spiritual impoverishment, and fratricidal wars. The novel contains love and betrayal, political intrigues, and bloody battles. But most importantly, when listening to this novel, it is as if we are transported to the year 1470. The abundance of words and concepts of that time constantly found in the novel creates an excellent atmosphere of everyday life and speech of "Great Novgorod."
In the novella "A Stolen Misfortune" an account is given of the 1770 plague epidemic in Moscow, brought by Russian troops from the Russo-Turkish war.