The book is dedicated to the history of the Cossacks. The history of the Don army, its possible origins and beginnings are considered. What is interesting and unique about this book, for the first time this book was published in 1915, that is, it is a rarity, and is written in Russian pre-revolutionary language. In 1991, a reprint edition was published. In principle, the language is easy to read. The first volume examines the oldest history since antiquity. In general, these books fit well into modern Scythian theory, although there are controversial conclusions in the book itself. And controversial, because at that time there was not much data on Scythians.