The Rasputin File

by Edvard Radzinsky

Release Date: 04 December, 2001

Edition: Paperback

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Radzinsky dispels the myths

After more than 8 decades of myths surrounding the mysterious life and death of Grigori Rasputin, Mr. Radzinsky has written a convincing account, based on an exhaustive search for primary research materials, dispelling many of them. While presenting evidence that robs the legend of much of its fascination, he alternately suggests that other aspects of Rasputin's life and devious rise to power were just as incredible, i.e. his attempts to stop Czar Nicholas from helping to ignite the fuel that led millions to their deaths in the First World War. The book also is a fine account of the last years of the Romanov dynasty and particular individuals involved in the Rasputin saga, particularly Felix Yusupov. This is a must-read for anyone interested in Rasputin, the Romanovs, and Russian, European or World History.

Rasputin - The Last Word ?

Based on the information found in a recently discovered file , the author ( a Russian playwright ), tries to unravel the enigma of Rasputin`s personality and the events that led up to the destruction of the Romanov dynasty .

It begins with a sketchy account of Rasputin`s childhood in Siberia and his formative years of wandering the Siberian hinterland that would eventually lead to his initiation into the secret khlyst sect , but it is when he is introduced to the Tsar and Tsarina of Russia and supposedly saves their son`s life with his mystical healing powers that this story comes to life . What follows is a tale of Machivellian intrigues at the royal court and at the highest political level inspired by the Russian peasant`s influence over the tsarina , his debauchery with high society women and common prostitutes , and finally his murder that would uncannily reflect the murder of the royal family , all this to a background of forboding tension in a troubled country ripe for revolution .

Because of the nature of the subject the author has had to surmise on certain details in the story and also on the motivating forces that impelled the protagonists to act in the way that they did , but he seems to have used a lot of commonsense and his theories certainly seem reasonable . This book also throws up some astounding revelations - did you know that this Siberian peasant delayed the onset of the first world war singlehandedly ( if you believe the author ) .

All in all this was a very readable account of a fascinating period in Russian history .