Study of old believers of the Russian north: characteristic features of A. Priklonsky and A. S. Prugavin's research experience

The article analyzes peculiarities of the views of the populists S. A. Priklonsky and A. S. Prugavin on the Old Believers in the Russian North. The role of the Old Believers in the life of the Russian people was one of the main research problems for both authors. The study of the works and archival heritage of these populists helped to reveal their point of view on this problem and the main features of their views. The author comes to a conclusion that the approach toward these Old Believers as a special phenomenon of the Russian society was a significant feature of the views of both populists. S. A. Priklonsky and A. S. Prugavin believed that these Old Believers could become the anchorage of the State in case of properly conducted policy.