Arkady Emmanuilovich Milchin (1924-2014) is a name familiar to anyone involved in the publishing industry. Milchin authored numerous guides on editing and reference books for editors and authors. Additionally, he served as the chief editor of the Moscow publishing house "Kniga" for two decades, whose publications have long been considered classics.

"Man of the Book" is a memoir by A. E. Milchin, reflecting on his family, childhood, studies at the Polygraphic Institute, and, most importantly, his work at the publishing houses "Iskusstvo" and "Kniga." It also covers Soviet censorship and how Soviet authorities attempted to control culture.

However, these are not just memoirs; they are the memoirs of an editor. Therefore, the author continually reflects on what editorial work entails and its true meaning.