The Life of Archpriest Avvakum by Himself

Autobiography of Avvakum (1621-1682), "a Russian protopope of Kazan Cathedral on Red Square who led the opposition to Patriarch Nikon's reforms of the Russian Orthodox Church. His autobiography and letters to the tsar, Boyarynya Morozova and other Old Believers are considered masterpieces of 17th-century Russian literature." (excerpted from the Wikipedia article).

(The painting is The Burning of Avvakum (1897), by Grigoriy Myasoyedov.)

This autobiography is short and truly delightful to read. It is unique among old Russian literature for the "vigorous, clear, and laconic style." Avvakum's opposition to the reforms of Nikon is incredibly strong, and at one point he refers to Nikon as the "anti-Christ." This probably doesn't sound that appealing to most people, but I really highly recommend it to all!!