Autographs with History

Rumen Stoichkov was born in Sofia. He holds degrees in Bulgarian Philology and History from Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski." Over his 30-year career as a journalist at the Bulgarian National Radio, following 12 years at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, he created over 2,000 radio reports as a journalist for the "Horizont" channel. Focusing on care homes, small towns, monasteries, and above all, vanishing villages, his stories were featured on the flagship lunchtime program "12+3," where he served on the editorial team for five years. He considers it his life's mission to chronicle these communities and preserve disappearing regional—and national—heritage. His books blend local folklore, legends, origins of unique place names, and the histories of local churches, community centers, and schools with rich details of traditional holidays and customs. Free of fictional embellishment, his work relies on authentic, first-hand accounts collected directly among the people. A longtime host of the iconic late-night show "Noshten Horizont," Stoichkov has been on air for around 1,300 broadcasts. He is the recipient of some 15 journalism awards, including the prestigious Annual Award of the Union of Bulgarian Journalists (2007), the Jury Prize at the Albena Media Festival (2005), and three nominations for the "Valya Krushkina – Journalism for the People" Award. In 2015, he was named "Keeper of Traditions" by ARIZ. Between 2006 and 2014, he served as editor-in-chief of the children's magazine Az Sum Bulgarche. He is a member of the Union of Bulgarian Journalists and the Union of Bulgarian Writers.

Autographs with History is his eleventh book. It showcases a portion of his impressive collection of autographs from musicians, athletes, actors, and other public figures gathered over the decades. The collection is enriched by the captivating, behind-the-scenes stories of the patient, sometimes days-long pursuit of these prized signatures.