The review deals with the study guide devoted to the history of the Russian language written by L.A. Zakharova and G.N. Starikova (Tomsk, Tomsk University Press, 2010. 182p.) The author of the review emphasizes a high level of the themes development, originality of the course exercise system, appropriateness of students' independent work; the author regards some discussion points of the work. The introductory themes are profoundly considered, as they are regarded from an untraditional point of view in the reviewed edition and reflect an innovative approach of the authors of the study guide to this section of the course.