Rafail Mikhailovich Zotov (1795–1871) was a Russian writer, playwright, and translator whose works made a significant contribution to Russian literature. A participant in the Patriotic War of 1812 and the foreign campaigns of the Russian army, he later devoted his life to theater and literature. As an employee of the imperial theaters, Zotov created more than 100 plays and also translated works by foreign authors for the stage.

As a master of the historical novel, Zotov gained fame for his action-packed stories, in which he skillfully combined dramatic events of the past with vivid characters and exciting intrigues. His most famous novels, such as Leonidas, or Some Features from the Life of Napoleon, The Mysterious Monk, and The Holy Fool's Cap, enjoyed enormous popularity among readers due to their dynamic plots and attention to historical details.

This edition presents the novel "Two Brothers, or Moscow in 1812", in which Zotov takes the reader to the dramatic era of the Napoleonic invasion. Through the prism of the private lives of his characters, the author reveals a vivid picture of Russian society of that time, with its anxieties, losses and hopes.

The story of two brothers becomes not only a personal drama, but also a symbol of the trials that the entire country had to endure. Zotov, a true master of historical detective fiction, skillfully weaves an intrigue that keeps the reader in suspense until the last pages.

This edition, made taking into account the best traditions of translation and editing, invites the modern reader to immerse themselves in the exciting world of historical prose. The novel "Two Brothers, or Moscow in 1812" will be a real find for anyone interested in Russian history and fascinating literature.