The book contains the memoirs of the outstanding philosopher, publicist, theologian and literary critic N.P. Gilyarov-Platonov (1824-1887), covering the period from the end of the 18th century to the 40s of the 19th century and, in their artistic merits and educational value, belong to the best examples of Russian memoir prose. The memoirs present an expressive picture of the life and customs of the provincial (Kolomna) and Moscow clergy and merchants. The book is complemented by the author's diary entries and essays depicting little-known events of literary and social life of the 40-70s of the 19th century, the participants of which were Metropolitan Philaret (Drozdov), K.S. and I.S. Aksakovs, A.S. Khomyakov, M.N. Longinov and others. The publication is equipped with an extensive real commentary, an annotated index, and is richly illustrated. The book was published with the financial support of the Federal Agency for Press and Mass Communications within the framework of the Federal Target Program “Culture of Russia.”