Legends and Myths of Nevsky Prospect

The new work of the famous writer and expert in Petersburg urban folklore N.A. Sindalovsky is dedicated to the history of the main highway of St. Petersburg - Nevsky Prospect. This book is not only about modern Nevsky, but also about the architectural structures and social institutions that existed on and around the prospect but unfortunately have disappeared from the city map. It discusses projects that were not realized for various reasons, as well as the heroes and characters of urban mythology associated with the prospect in one way or another.

The book will not only allow readers to learn facts, names, and dates from the more than 300-year history of Nevsky Prospect but also to look at them through the prism of St. Petersburg urban folklore - legends and traditions, proverbs and sayings, chantys and anecdotes, unofficial names and abbreviations that have a precise architectural, historical, toponymic, or geographical address. The amount of folklore preserved in the collective memory of Petersburgers is astonishing. It not only does not contradict official historiography but also enriches it, making it brighter and more expressive. The author invites the reader to walk along Nevsky Prospect with this book, to sensitively listen to the voice of urban mythology, to carefully read the folklore texts, and to focus on its assessments and comments. The book is intended for a wide audience of readers, for everyone who is interested in and loves St. Petersburg.