About the book: 2002 / The work of one of the most famous Western Slavists, Professor Ricardo Picchio, is translated into Russian for the first time. The first Italian edition was published in 1959, the second in 1968. This translation was made from the second edition, it also includes additions and clarifications made by the author in the process of working on this topic, the section “The Epic of Igor Svyatoslavovich” was written by the author anew. R. Picchio's book is a look at medieval Rus' from Europe. Talking about ancient Russian literature, the author includes it in the broad context of European civilization. Written in clear and vivid language, the book will be of interest not only to specialists, but also to everyone interested in the history, literature and culture of Ancient Rus'.