Rasputin
A biography of one of the strangest and most influential figures in modern Russian history, written by an editor of the Sunday Times of London . Rasputin was an itinerant holy man from Siberia who found his way to St. Petersburg after the turn of the century and developed a cult of followers by virtue of his healing powers and mesmerizing looks. Eventually the Empress Alexandra became his most devoted disciple, convinced that only he could save her hemophiliac son. From his position within the Court, shielded by Alexandra`s favor, Rasputin was able to influence policy and became increasingly resented by the Ministers and officials who eventually had him assassinated. His intimacy with the Empress led to a widespread perception of the Tsarist Court as corrupt, and helped prepare the way for its eventual overthrow.

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