The first part of the volume is the work of Yu. M. Lotman "Essays on Russian culture of the XVIII-ro century." The second part includes articles on the history of Russian culture and literature of the 17th century by Yu. M. Lotman, V. M. Zhivova, C. S. Averintseva, A. M. Panchenko, V. N. Toporova, B. A. Uspensky, G. V. Florovsky. The book is addressed to both wide reading circles - older schoolchildren, students, just curious readers interested in the history of Russian culture, and more prepared readers - students, graduate students and teachers of specialized departments and faculties in the history of culture.