The book by the historian and writer Vlastimil Vondruška tells in a readable and well-founded way about the changes in the life of the old Šumava. It is complemented by almost a hundred unique period photographs from the collections of the Šumava Museum in Sušice. The author describes the settlement of the mountains from prehistoric times to the beginning of the 20th century, and through stories and quotations from contemporary sources, he presents the diverse groups of inhabitants of that time, be they farmers, woodworkers, glassmakers, shepherds or smugglers and robbers. The book also describes folk architecture, clothing, customs and livelihoods. It will surely please not only those who admire the beauty of Šumava, but all those who value the life of our ancestors.