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Rasputin

Faith, Power, and the Twilight of the Romanovs

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Rasputin

Written by: Douglas Smith
Narrated by: PJ Ochlan
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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.

 Historical Politicians Politics & Activism Russia Biography Soviet Union Imperialism
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Very informative and education but the reading left something to be desired. it listened like an old encyclopedia read. Very dry. I've listened to biography's and non-fiction works that we're read in a manner that was much more enjoyable and entertaining. Overall still enjoyed the piece for what it was. Rasputin lived a uniquely exciting and interesting life in an equally interesting time.

An Informative Listen

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This is one of the finest research pieces on Starets Grigoriy I've heard; it is measured, fair and realistic. not buying into the zeitgeist image of Rasputin that often depicts him as some kind of unkillable sex wizard.

It is an academic writing, so it can be very dry for those who are only passingly interested in the topic. But for people enamored with the history and life of not only Rasputin, but also the Romanovs and how many factors led to the collapse of the Autocracy and insidious rise of Bolshevik Communism in Russia; they will find this a treat to delve into.

In depth and incredibly well done

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