Bestseller

Yuri Davydov (1924–2002) was a master of historical prose, the author of the novels and stories "The Fate of Usol'tsev", "Straw Guard. Two Bundles of Letters", "Evenings in Kolmov", "The Deaf Time of Leaf Fall". He was a laureate of the "Triumph" award (1996) and a recipient of the Order "For Merits to the Fatherland" IV degree (1999). The novel "Bestseller" stands somewhat apart in Davydov's works. Critics called it strange, seeing in it a precursor to the prose of the future with its "freedom from genre constraints". The central character of the novel is Vladimir Lvovich Burtsov, a discloser of secret police agents, a famous hunter of provocateurs. His last case becomes the exposure of the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion" — a forgery allegedly revealing the secret of a global Jewish conspiracy. The novel was awarded the Big Prize named after Apollon Grigoryev. "In Davydov's 'Bestseller' there is the strength of the author's soul experience, a deeply feeling and highly perceptive personality" (Stanislav Rassadin). "There will be narrative mysteries, rich historical color, and fateful passions. Only the author will not compromise on anything: neither the moral teachings of the Russian intelligentsia, nor the tendency to mix documentary with fantasy, nor love for poetry…" (Andrei Nemzer).