The book describes the history of the Cossack Hetmanate in Ukraine during the second half of the 17th century, which was a time of great turmoil and change. The author argues that this period saw the beginning of the end of the traditional Cossack way of life and the rise of a new, more modern society. The book begins by describing the political and social climate of Ukraine in the mid-17th century, when the Cossack Hetmanate was at its peak. The author explains how the Cossacks were a unique society, with their own laws, customs, and traditions, but also one that was constantly under threat from external forces such as the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Ottoman Empire. The author then goes on to describe the events that led to the downfall of the Hetmanate, including the rise of the Ukrainian nobility and the increasing influence of European culture. The author argues that the decline of the Hetmanate was not just a result of external factors, but also due to internal weaknesses and contradictions within the Cossack society itself.

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