Rasputin
By Douglas Smith
- Release Date: 2016-11-22
- Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Description
On the centenary of the death of Rasputin comes a definitive biography that will dramatically change our understanding of this fascinating figure
A hundred years after his murder, Rasputin continues to excite the popular imagination as the personification of evil. Numerous biographies, novels, and films recount his mysterious rise to power as Nicholas and Alexandra's confidant and the guardian of the sickly heir to the Russian throne. His debauchery and sinister political influence are the stuff of legend, and the downfall of the Romanov dynasty was laid at his feet.
But as the prizewinning historian Douglas Smith shows, the true story of Rasputin's life and death has remained shrouded in myth. A major new work that combines probing scholarship and powerful storytelling, Rasputin separates fact from fiction to reveal the real life of one of history's most alluring figures. Drawing on a wealth of forgotten documents from archives in seven countries, Smith presents Rasputin in all his complexity--man of God, voice of peace, loyal subject, adulterer, drunkard. Rasputin is not just a definitive biography of an extraordinary and legendary man but a fascinating portrait of the twilight of imperial Russia as it lurched toward catastrophe.
Reviews
Sorry
3By ickyboobooI am a love to read about the fall of the Monarchy of Russia. It's a tragic part of history. Rasputin played a large role. I am of the mind that Rasputin has been vilified by historians. Think about the fake news on Facebook, it's the same thing. He was a flawed man with odd behavior. I agree with the author. Rasputin was not as scandalous as previously portrayed. My low rating is due to the delivery of this argument. I am fully aware the author was trying to make the best possible argument, but it gets tedious. It's worth the read, but just be prepared. He is also slightly more proRasputin. I did not consider it over the top.
