The book sets out a new system of views on the origin of the text “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign” and its mysteries associated with the events of the 11th–12th centuries. Against a broad background of historical, archaeological, philological and paleogeographical research, the author examines issues of textual criticism, history, genealogy, poetics, paleography and chronicles of ancient Rus', as well as their interpretation by modern researchers. A.L. Nikitin

A shortened version of the story of the same name, included in A. Nikitin’s book “Point of View” (M., 1985, pp. 135–278). Published according to the text published in the magazine “New World” (1984, No. 5, pp. 182–206, No. 6, pp. 211–226 and No. 7, pp. 176–208), indicating in brackets the number and pages of the journal publication, which caused fierce attacks by D.S. Likhachev.

“In the footsteps of Prince Igor” - The final chapter of the story “Test by the Word...” was completed only on September 26, 1985, and therefore was not included in the magazine publication of the story (New World, 1984, no. No. 5–7), nor in the book (Point of View, M., 1985). The original version, with some abbreviations, was published in the newspaper “Komsomolets” (Petrozavodsk) No. 143, 12/02/86, p. 6 and No. 144, 12/04/86, p. 6.

Review by D. WITH. Likhachev and the response Open Letter to A.L. Nikitina.