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The Volga is the longest river in Europe. Situated in Russia, it flows through Central Russia to Southern Russia and into the Caspian Sea. The Volga is widely regarded as the national river of Russia. Important since ancient times as a trade route, the river flows for 3,531 km (2,194 mi) through forests, forest steppes, and steppes from the Valdai Hills in Central Russia to the Caspian Sea. Four of the ten largest cities of Russia, including the nation's capital, Moscow, are located in the Volga's drainage basin. The river has a symbolic meaning in Russian culture – Russian literature and folklore often refer to it as "Mother Volga," reflecting the river's importance to the Russian people.

Sir Hugh Seymour Walpole, CBE (March 13, 1884 – June 1, 1941) was an English novelist. He was the son of an Anglican clergyman, intended for a career in the church but drawn instead to writing. Among those who encouraged him were the authors Henry James and Arnold Bennett. His skill at scene-setting and vivid plots, as well as his high profile as a lecturer, brought him a large readership in the United Kingdom and North America. He was a best-selling author in the 1920s and 1930s but has been largely neglected since his death.