The publication includes the works of the famous Russian historian N.I. Kostomarov (1817-1885). A small book is a real encyclopedia of the life and customs of the Russian people of the pre-Petrine era, vividly and interestingly telling about how our ancestors lived, what they ate, what they dressed in, what they grew in their gardens and vegetable gardens, how they were treated, celebrated weddings and raised children. Describing all the advantages and disadvantages of our ancestors, the book gives an answer to many topical questions: what are the historical origins of such ulcers of our society as drunkenness, extortion of officials, disregard for the human person, etc. The book is addressed to a wide range of readers.