About the book: 2000 / The book is dedicated to one of the most important periods in the history of Moscow University - the first decade of the 19th century. It was at this time that the main features that later determined the appearance of the university and Russian higher education as a whole were formed and developed. An outline of university history is presented in the book against the broad background of the cultural life of Russian society at the beginning of the 19th century. Vivid portraits of professors and students of that time are given, including Griboedov, Chaadaev, and many future Decembrists. The book is written on the basis of a wide range of archival sources, many of which are being introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. The book is addressed to all readers interested in the history of Russian science and culture.