This is the novel in four books (with the total of 2816 small-size pages) that was printed in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in English language. This epic work, which appeared in Britain in 1934 and 1935 with a preface by the author, was the first work of Soviet literature to be translated into English. In its language, depth of feeling, humanity and plasticity it is a work that is thoroughly Russian, national, and of the people.