The "History of the Ukrainian People" is one of the first scientific monographs on Ukraine’s history. The original edition holds significant scientific, historical, and cultural value; its illustrations not only complement the text but also recreate the atmosphere of the era. The author, Oleksandra Yefimenko (1848–1918), was the first female historian in the Russian Empire to receive a doctorate and the title of professor. She is the author of textbooks on the history of Ukraine. A prominent figure in the women’s movement, she advocated for gender equality, founded the Society of Working Women, and collaborated with the All-Russian League for Women’s Equality.
For ten years, she taught history at the Bestuzhev Courses in St. Petersburg. In 1910, on the initiative of Dmytro Bahaliy, Kharkiv University awarded her the degree of Honorary Doctor of History – making her the first woman in the Empire to receive such recognition at a time when women typically had to go abroad for a university education.
The "History of Ukraine and its People" by Oleksandra Yefimenko is a science work that systematically covers the historical process from ancient times to the 19th century, focusing on everyday, not just political, life. The main attention is focused on revealing the most important milestones of the historical process. It contains chapters which are devoted to the prehistoric era and Slavic tribes, the history of Kievan Rus, the period of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, etc. Its language and style remain typical of the late 19th century.