The sparse plot of a historical novel Marek koniar a uhorský pápež – Mark the Horse Groom and the Pope of Hungary is set in 16th century, in the times of the Dózsa uprising. The author writes about the powerful men of this world who yearn for even more power and who do not hesitate to use any beguiling means for reaching their goal. Through the life story of a fictitious character, Mark the Horse Groom, the author sends a message that a man with integrity has to stand up to the abusing power, even for the cost of giving up material wealth and other advantages in his life. Ján Johanides is probably the most intellectual and complex writer of contemporary Slovak prose, his books were translated into many languages.