In this book, Dmitry Travin, scientific director of the Center for Modernization Research at the European University in St. Petersburg, talks about the most important scientific theories that explain the reasons for the formation of modern society. On the pages of the guide to historical sociology we talk about why some countries are rich and others are poor, why in some cases development turns into a destructive revolution and in others not, why democracy comes to replace authoritarian political regimes, and many other issues , which are of interest to wide circles of intellectuals in Russia today. The book will be useful to all readers who wish to gain an understanding of complex scientific theories that explain the development of societies in a simple and accessible form. The publishing layout of the book is saved in PDF A4 format.