The book was based on lectures and scientific works of the Russian and Soviet historian S.F. Platonov, as well as recordings of students of courses at the Military Law Academy and St. Petersburg University. One edition collects and summarizes extensive material covering the period of history from the time of the resettlement of Slavic tribes and the formation of the Principality of Kyiv to the reign of Nicholas I and Alexander P. Professor Platonov, who had the talent of a storyteller, vividly and vividly describes the events of the Time of Troubles, the struggle for the Moscow throne, as well as the period of cultural upsurge during the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich. The collection includes essays on the rulers of the Russian state, as well as turning points in Russian history.