Rasputin: A Life

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,

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.

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."