Historian and Russian scholar Joseph Fuhrmann probes the life and times of Grigory Rasputin and offers the most thoroughly researched biography yet of the holy man who hastened the collapse of an empire. In a fast paced narrative, his book recounts Rasputin's journey from his peasant origins in Siberia to his powerful position at the right hand of the tsar and tsarina, Nicholas and Alexandra. Fuhrmann taps heretofore unused sources and puts to rest the many myths surrounding this notorious character. He documents the precise degree of influence Rasputin exerted on the Russian government, as well as the conspiracy that took Rasputin's life, the murder itself, the investigation, and the final unmasking of the culprits. Rasputin; A Life portrays the complex character of a greedy libertine who gained unlimited power and yet sincerely followed a religious vocation. In addition, Fuhrmann brings to life more than a dozen secondary characters that were important in the life of Rasputin, among them Anna Vyrubova, weak and gullible, the empress's best friend, boundlessly devoted to Rasputin and a contact between him and Alexandra, and Pitirim, the homosexual metropolitan of Petrograd, who Rasputin had appointed to the leading bishop's post in the Church. This book dramatizes the Russian empire in an age of crisis, war, and revolution. Students and scholars will find insight in this detailed and scholarly account of turbulent times. The general reader will find an unforgettable journey through turn of the century Russia.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
The author distinguishes fact and probability from myth in the life of Grigory Rasputin, a Siberian peasant known as a profligate, religious leader, and faith healer. Fuhrmann documents how Rasputin's ability to aid the hemophiliac heir, Alexis, led to his power to influence Empress Alexandra and through her, Nicholas II, Russia's last tsar. He shows that Rasputin's control over appointments in both government and the church led to their increased ineffectiveness and corruption, as well as popular distrust of them. Although covering much of the same material as Alex DeJonge's The Life and Times of Grigorii Rasputin ( LJ 4/15/82), this study is better documented and more scholarly. Recommended for general and area studies collections.
- Rena Fowler, Northern Michigan Univ. Lib., Marquette
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Rena Fowler, Northern Michigan Univ. Lib., Marquette
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
“In this rich and learned book. Fuhrmann presents a detailed biography of Rasputin well integrated with discussions of the religious social, and political context of the times. Even if the subject were not lurid and fascinating, this book would provide useful insight into Russian life at several levels--from Siberian peasantry to the court in St. Petersburg. Fuhrmann makes no attempt to argue a thesis or explain the significance of his material other than brief comments, e.g., that Rasputin `helped destroy an empire.' There are no chapter summaries nor is there a concluding chapter. Fuhrmann's narrative technique depends much on direct quotation from primary souces. Control of the sources and the literature and the author's willingness to offer clear choices in judging some of the more controversial aspects of Rasputin's career help make the work very useful. Among many contributions worth noting is Fuhrmann's clear exposition of Rasputin's relationship with the official church, explained more thoroughly and sympathetically than in any other account in English. In sum, the book offers sound scholarship on important matters and will make a useful contribution to almost any collection on modern Russia. College, university, and public libraries.”–Choice
“The author distinguishes fact and probability from myth in the life of Grigory Rasputin, a Siberian peasant known as a profligate, religious leader, and faith healer. Fuhrmann documents how Rasputin's ability to aid the hemophiliac heir, Alexis, led to his power to influence Empress Alexandra and through her, Nicholas II, Russia's last tsar. He shows that Rasputin's control over appointments in both government and he church led to their increased ineffectiveness and corruption, as well as popular distrust of them. Although covering much of the same material as Alex DeJonge's The Life and Times of Grigorii Rasputin, this study is better documented and more scholarly. Recommended for general and area studies collections.”–Library Journal
“The author distinguishes fact and probability from myth in the life of Grigory Rasputin, a Siberian peasant known as a profligate, religious leader, and faith healer. Fuhrmann documents how Rasputin's ability to aid the hemophiliac heir, Alexis, led to his power to influence Empress Alexandra and through her, Nicholas II, Russia's last tsar. He shows that Rasputin's control over appointments in both government and he church led to their increased ineffectiveness and corruption, as well as popular distrust of them. Although covering much of the same material as Alex DeJonge's The Life and Times of Grigorii Rasputin, this study is better documented and more scholarly. Recommended for general and area studies collections.”–
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Rasputin Biography in the English language,
By A Customer
This review is from: Rasputin: A Life (Hardcover)
Fuhrmann's book has given rise to many different reactions. It is true that there seems to be a lack of a central thesis. But in this excellent biography Rasputin's search for influence serves, in some ways, as a thesis. The problem is that this character was quite complex, and no one has better elucidated the problems and issues concerning Rasputin. Fuhrmann is also adept at extending these themes to this entire period of Russian history. The third section (focusing on government and religious officials) is a bit thick. But this was Rasputin's world as he lived it, and this book is a scholarly biography. If you want 400 pages that list Rasputin's debaucheries, go elsewhere. Yet the book is never dull, for nor was Rasputin.
His sinful side and his holy side are both clearly and abundantly explained via fascinating examples. Fuhrmann deserves praise for making controversial judgments. For instance, he unequivocally declares that Rasputin possessed healing abilities that are unexplainable.
This is an excellent book for expert or beginner. The author richly brings Rasputin and his dead world back to life. The reader will be pulled to this strange land, and thus will gain insight into the tragedy of Russia's 20th century history. Particularly compelling is the (often) sad end of the people who were important in Rasputin's life. With painful detail, Fuhrmann presents this material in the concudling section.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A GREAT REASON TO READ ABOUT A LONG-DEAD RUSSIAN PEASANT!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Rasputin: A Life (Hardcover)
Furhmann's thoroughly - researched & enjoyable book debunks the
legend of the sex-crazed peasant that toppled an empire.
The author shows how the reaction by many to Rasputin
contributed to the Empire's downfall. Rather than the sole cunning
puppet-master, Rasputin was only one of several who controlled
the strings that tangled & toppled the last Tsar. Although he is, at
best, a secondary character throughout most of the
narrative, Furhmann clearly shows how Nicholas II was
simply not "born to rule."
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Enriching Historical Read,
By LightningKayaker (USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Rasputin: A Life (Hardcover)
Fuhrman does an excellent job examining Rasputin's influence on Alexandra, her husband, and ultimately the decisions that lead to the fall of the dynasty. He provides many examples regarding governmental ministry appointments in which Rasputin's decision is the ultimate answer, although he includes background information about random persons which, until later, seems irrelevant--one must skim to find the actual connection with Rasputin, and even then it sometimes is tentitive. Overall, the book is a good factual recount of the influence of Rasputin,
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