Domostroy. Ancient Russian Encyclopedia of Family Life

"Domostroy" was widely distributed in Ancient Russia as an accessible guide to "proper arrangement of life". The text of the book was compiled in Novgorod, later it was edited by a famous church figure, the spiritual advisor of Ivan the... Terrible, Priest Silvester.
Even today it is one of the most famous monuments of Russian literature, the very name of which has become generic, but at the same time – one of the most slandered books in the history of Russia: myths and speculations surrounding "Domostroy" have completely overshadowed its true content from readers over time. Few understand today that "Domostroy" is the first set of household rules that attempted to protect women from domestic violence, which was not punishable before it.
The historical value of "Domostroy" has only increased over time: this book remains a unique encyclopedia of Russian life in the 15th–16th centuries, an excellent guide for careful household management, preservation of family prosperity, and a favorable moral climate in the Russian home.