This edition contains letters and papers of the outstanding scientist, statesman and enlightener D. Kantemir. The first part is an essay on the biography of Dimitri Kantemir. On the basis of rich archival materials, a significant part of which is first introduced into scientific circulation, published sources and scientific research, an attempt is made to correct obvious inaccuracies, erroneous dates and facts of the life and work of the Moldovan ruler and thinker, to illuminate those pages of his biography that to this day cause discussions and various interpretations of researchers.