Like all influential mystifications, the "History of the Rus" has inspired a voluminous literature.  The most contested question discussed by students of the work has been the identity of its author.  The first possible author considered (and rejected) was Archbishop Konysky... Another high-profile candidate was Catherine II's chancellor and a native of the Hetmanate, Prince Oleksander Bezborodko (1747-99). (Plokhy)