For the first time published in Russian, a fundamental study of the outstanding Russian lawyer, diplomat, politician and historian B. E. Nolde (1876-1948) is devoted to the history of the formation of a multinational Russian state in the 16th - early 19th centuries. Until now, almost unknown in our country, this book, written by the author in exile and remaining unfinished, is based on a deep analysis of huge factual material, is distinguished by the breadth of the approach and original conclusions that has not lost its significance for science.