This book of the "father" of Belarusian historiography M.V. Dovnar-Zapolsky was published in 1891. Since then, it has not been reprinted, so it is practically unknown to modern readers. Meanwhile, its content is still of significant interest to everyone who is interested in the history of the Belarusian people. The proposed edition consists of three parts. The first gives a geographical description of the lands of the Krivichs and Dregovichs. The second summarizes the political history of the Polotsk, Smolensk and Turov principalities. In the third, additional part, articles by a number of authors are placed, introducing modern views on the history of Krivichi and Dregovich. The book is designed for a wide range of readers.