This book traces the history of chemistry from the ancient philosophers' wild speculations about the composition of the universe to the creation of the periodic table by Dmitri Mendeleyev. Through a blend of storytelling and science, it explores the development of atomic theory and chemical elements, leading up to Mendeleyev's groundbreaking dream in which he envisioned the periodic table in its modern form. The narrative delves into the lives and discoveries of key figures in the field of chemistry, illustrating how their work contributed to our understanding of the elements that make up the world around us.

"Shadows On The Tundra" is a powerful memoir that recounts the harrowing experiences of a young Lithuanian girl during World War II. Forced into a Soviet gulag in Siberia with her family, the author vividly describes the brutal conditions and the relentless struggle for survival. Through her resilient spirit and unwavering determination, she offers a poignant and haunting account of her time in the labor camp, shedding light on the lesser-known history of the Baltic states during the war.

"In Siberia" is a travelogue that takes the reader on a profound journey through the vast and enigmatic Siberian landscape. The author traverses the region, from the Ural Mountains to the Arctic coast, exploring its desolate beauty and the resilience of its inhabitants amidst harsh climates and historical upheavals. Along the way, he encounters remnants of the Soviet era, indigenous cultures clinging to their traditions, and the poignant traces of exile and punishment that have marked the land. The narrative is a rich tapestry of history, personal encounters, and vivid descriptions that capture the soul of a place often synonymous with remoteness and exile.

"Gulag: A History" provides an in-depth historical account of the Soviet Union's forced labor camp system, known as the Gulag. The book explores the inception of these camps during the reign of Vladimir Lenin, their expansion under Joseph Stalin, and their eventual decline and closure. It also delves into the daily lives of the prisoners, their hardships, and the brutal conditions they endured. The book is based on a wealth of archival material, personal interviews, and memoirs, offering a comprehensive understanding of one of the darkest periods in human history.

The book provides a detailed account of the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II, and his wife, Alexandra, exploring their private lives, the political turmoil, and the social upheavals that enveloped their reign. It delves into their personal relationship, their handling of the Russian Empire's vast complexities, their tragic connection with the mystic Rasputin, and their eventual downfall during the Russian Revolution. The narrative not only captures the grandeur and tragedy of their era but also offers intimate insights into the lives of the imperial family, culminating in their poignant and harrowing end.

"The Tiger" is a non-fiction book that delves into the gripping account of a man-eating Amur tiger's deadly rampage in a remote Russian village in the late 1990s. The narrative explores the complex relationship between humans and nature, highlighting the impact of poaching and habitat loss on the tiger's behavior. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the book weaves together local history, conservation science, and socio-economic factors, offering a profound examination of the consequences when human encroachment and environmental degradation provoke the fierce retaliation of one of nature's most formidable predators.

"The House of the Dead" explores the brutal reality of life in Siberian penal colonies during the nineteenth century, where the Russian Empire sent thousands of prisoners to endure incredibly harsh conditions. The book provides a detailed historical account, drawing on a wealth of archival material and personal stories to illuminate the lives of these exiles. It examines the impact of exile on the transformation of Russia, revealing how the penal system influenced both the society and the political landscape, including the rise of revolutionary movements. Through its vivid narrative, the book paints a comprehensive picture of suffering, survival, and the human capacity to adapt in one of the most inhospitable places on earth.