Boris Godunov ruled Russia in the late 16th and early 17th century. He is the subject of the well-known opera, which closely follows N. M. Karamzin's account, in his classic 12-volume opus, History of the Russian State. The Reign of Boris Godunov is excerpted from this work; this is the first time any of this material has been available in English. A translation of the entire History is planned for publication in 2015. The intended audience is the intelligent layman.