Issues of opening and preparation of the first edition of "Words about Igor's Regiment" are covered on the basis of previously unknown archival documents, including the earliest - quotes from the "Word" and the characteristics of this old Russian poem, relating to 1787-1788. The book for the first time gives a wide panorama of the socio-political views of the circle of A. I. Musin-Pushkin, shows his contribution to the study of Russian history at the end of the XVIII - beginning of the XIX century.