In 2015, the Penza branch of the Russian Geographical Society held a literary competition in memory of its famous fellow countryman, Russian officer, geographer and discoverer Lavrentiy Zagoskin. The result of this regional competition, which found a response among writers and poets not only in Russia, but also near and far abroad, was the release of the collection “Following the Guiding Star.” Unfortunately, this small collection could not accommodate the works of everyone, and we promised to continue what we started and publish all the materials sent to the competition. We kept this promise. And today the Penza regional branch of the NGO "Russian Geographical Society" together with the NP "Public Council "Potential of the Nation" with the support of the International Union of Writers are presenting to the readers a new collection of works based on the materials of the 1st semi-final of the II International Literary Competition named after. Lavrentiy Zagoskin “Following the guiding star.” A unique book awaits you, in which scientific and artistic principles easily coexist, and every page is imbued with a feeling of great patriotism and love. This is a meeting with new literary names who share their interesting research, touching frank poetry and captivating prose. Here is history, knowledge, soul and love. We hope that our joint work and literary message will find a lively response in your hearts, and the collection “Following the Guiding Star” will forever reside in your home library.