This edition is prepared for the 60th anniversary of V.V. Iofe and contains articles, reports, speeches and reviews of the 1980-1990s, devoted to various aspects of the historical reality of the XX century. Over the past ten years, the main sphere of scientific and social activity of the author is inextricably linked with the Memorial society, which largely determines the orientation and theme of the texts of this time. The book is intended both for specialists - historians and political scientists of the 20th century, and for a wide range of readers interested in the history of political repression in Russia, the development of informal public organizations and movements, the history of the human rights movement.