The two-volume edition examines the problems of the origin of the Chuvash, their ethnic history from the standpoint of modern science. Considerable attention is paid to the issues of resettlement of the Chuvash, ethnodemographic processes. The features of traditional Chuvash economic activities, crafts and crafts, settlements and dwellings, food and clothing are covered in detail. The characteristic features of the Chuvash family life, socio-normative relations, calendar customs and rituals, folk beliefs and knowledge, decorative and applied art are revealed.