The Thunder of the Caucasus: The Life and Deeds of General Baklanov

The commander of the Don Cossack войська, Lieutenant General Yakov Petrovich Baklanov (1808–1873), was one of the celebrated heroes of the Caucasian War of 1817–1864. Legends spoke of Baklanov’s boundless bravery and dash. He personally led Cossack regiments and hundreds into attacks, took part in ambushes and firefights—operations, raids, and in the construction of fortifications, bridges, and roads. Possessing enormous physical strength, he invariably emerged victorious from hand-to-hand struggles. Taking command of a regiment that had been in desperate condition, he soon made it exemplary, and from the timid linear defense of his predecessors he moved to the most decisive offensive actions “beyond the line.” Baklanov soon became a terror to the “unpeaceful” mountaineers who considered Baklya akin to the very devil and called him Dadzhal.

The book by Cossack historian L. V. Venkov introduces the reader to the life of this legendary hero.