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Rasputin

The Biography
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Nearly a century after his murder, Rasputin remains a controversial figure. Rasputin explores the myths and truths about his early life, his controversial influence over the Russian emperor and empress, his alleged healing powers, and the political intrigues surrounding his death. Drawing on newly accessible archives, Douglas Smith offers a definitive biography that re-examines Rasputin's life, influence, and the impact of his murder on the Romanov dynasty.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This biography is ideal for readers interested in Russian history, political intrigue, and complex historical figures. It will appeal to fans of detailed, scholarly yet accessible biographies that challenge historical myths.

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Acclaimed historian Douglas Smith's riveting - and revisionist - biography of Rasputin

Acclaimed historian Douglas Smith's riveting - and revisionist - biography of Rasputin

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Nearly a century after his murder, Rasputin remains as divisive a figure as ever.

Was he really a horse thief and a hard-drinking ruffian in his youth? Was he a devout Orthodox Christian, or was he in fact just a fake holy man? Are the stories of his enormous sexual drive, debauchery, and drunken orgies true, or simply a myth?

How did he come to know the emperor and empress and wield so much influence over them? What was the source of his healing power? Was Rasputin running the government in the final years of his life? And if so, was he acting on his own or on the orders of more powerful, hidden forces?

Did Prince Yusupov and his fellow conspirators act alone, or were other parties involved in Rasputin's murder? Were British secret agents or even an underground cell of Freemasons involved, as has been claimed? And to what extent did Rasputin's murder doom the Romanov dynasty?

Drawing on major new sources hitherto unexamined by western historians, Douglas Smith's book is the definitive biography of this extraordinary figure for a generation.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised as the definitive biography, Douglas Smith's work is brilliantly gripping and superbly researched, shedding new light on Rasputin with rich archival material. Critics highlight its comprehensive detail, political insight, and compelling narrative, distinguishing it from previous accounts. Reviews from The Times, Daily Telegraph, and Sunday Times commend its forensic scholarship and engaging storytelling.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781447245858

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 May 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Pan Books

Edition: Unabridged edition

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 52.0mm

Width: 132.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 570g

Pages: 848

About the Author

Douglas Smith is an internationally recognized expert in Russian history and the critically acclaimed and award-winning author of numerous articles and three books, including, most recently, Former People (also published by Pan Macmillan).Before becoming a historian, Douglas Smith worked with the U.S. State Department in the Soviet Union and as a Russian affairs analyst for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Munich.

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