Rasputin

by Harold Shukman

Gregory Rasputin figures in Russian history as a malign and destructive force, a man with an unhealthy influence on the Empress Alexandra and undue power in Russian politics. Yet, his purposes were ostensibly beneficent. An uneducated peasant, he left Siberia to become a wandering holy man and soon acquired a reputation as a healer. The empress was desperate to find a cure for the hemophilia from which her son Alexei suffered, and in 1905 Rasputin was presented at court. His positive effect on the heir's health made him indispensable. But his religious teachings were unorthodox, and his charismatic presence aroused in many ladies of the St Petersburg aristocracy an exalted response, which he exploited sexually. Shady financial dealings added to the atmosphere of debauchery and scandal, and he was also seen as a political threat. He was assassinated in 1916.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Russian History

113 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 1997

Reviews

[Hrvoe]

Its just short high level overwiev

[Lorraine Sevigny]

Absolutely delicious read if you enjoy reading about the insanity of a 'dynasty'...

[Dylan Boyle]

If you’re looking for a short overview of one of Imperial Russia’s most fascinating figures without committing to a detailed, weighty tome, then look no further.
It’s bite-sized enough to intrigue without sating any appetites.

[Jonasz]

Krótka, acz treściwa, wystarczająco przybliżająca postać Rasputina.

[Babar]

Awesome book

[Omnia]

my interest in the life of the romanoph family and their tragic death .. the rise and fall of Russia's greatest Empire .. wasn't the topic of this book as i expected .. yet it added another chapter to the intriguing story of Nicholas II .. Rasputin was just another piece in the puzzle .. he played the DEVIL !

[Susan]

Good short biography of Rasputin.