This review discusses a recent book by V. K. Kantor «"Cut down the tree of life." The Fate Of Nikolai Chernyshevsky» (M.; SPb.: Center for humanitarian initiatives, 2015. 528 S.). V. K. Kantor - one of the most interesting historians of Russian thought in recent years has offered their assessment, dramatically different from the other options understanding of life, of fate, of the writings of N. G. Chernyshevsky. A new book by Kantor answered the question of the provisional application: N. G. Chernyshevsky today is not only possible but also need to reflect, to talk, to explore his life and work, but other than the above, positions. Offering his vision of destiny and the ideas of Chernyshevsky, Cantor primarily destroys the phantom Chernyshevsky's revolutionary, supposedly the hatchet against the king calling upon the progressive forces of Russia. The advantage of the second half of the reviewed book in that it revealed Christian in spirit and a practical embodiment the position of the innocent detainee, and 22 months without trial contained in the fortress, Chernyshevsky and impotent rage of the authorities who tried to break his will. We believe the best pages of the book are those in which it is told about the Christian heroism of Chernyshevsky-prisoner is not only preserved their dignity, but continued to say his daily work.