Abstract to the book "Taras Bulba" by Gogol N. V.: This book publishes two stories by N. V. Gogol ("Taras Bulba" and "Viy") from the cycle "Mirgorod", which the author conceived, as is known, as a continuation of "Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka", assuming to further acquaint readers with the life and everyday life of Little Russian peasants, Cossacks and small landowners. From cheerful and romantic lads and maidens, inspired and poetic descriptions of Ukrainian nature, Gogol moved on to depicting the prose of life. Preparing material for the story "Taras Bulba", the writer collected historical episodes bit by bit, including information from personal archives and unpublished sources. At the same time, laying out the mosaic of the history of Ukraine, the classic broke up dry facts with folk folklore, skillfully mixed historical facts and artistic fiction. "Viy" is a story about the test of spiritual fortitude in the face of hostile, dark forces of the world. As soon as Khoma doubted himself, he forgot all his spells and prayers and died... A fantastic, but very instructive story.
