The book tells about the events that preceded Pugachev’s uprising, which took place in 1773 on the Yaik. It describes the childhood of Yemelyan Pugachev’s supporters, the main events in the Yaik Cossack Host, and the wars in which they took part. The narrative covers the split and confrontation with the obedient, senior faction, which led to the first uprising of Yaik Cossacks in 1772. Then Yemelyan Pugachev appears on the scene, presenting himself as the deceased Emperor Peter Fedorovich III and calling the Cossacks to a new uprising. The Yaik Cossacks decide to support him, hoping for his favor after ascending to the throne.