Rasputin: From Siberia To Pop Song (Press, 8 January 1983)

The review discusses Alex de Jonge's biography "The Life and Times of Grigorii Rasputin," which aims to present a scholarly account of the infamous figure in Russian history. The reviewer, John GoodHffe, notes that Grigory Rasputin has inspired a plethora of sensational literature, with Colin Wilson previously stating that no existing work offers a sober depiction of his personality. Despite being labelled as a "mad monk" and mythologised in culture, Rasputin was neither mad, nor a monk, nor a lover of Empress Alexandra, the Tsarina of Russia. Instead, his historical impact is intertwined with legend and speculation. De Jonge's scholarly work attempts to penetrate the layers of myth, focusing on Rasputin's unexpected rise to political power in the last tumultuous months leading to the Russian Revolution. His influence stemmed primarily from his relationship with the Tsarina, driven by her belief in his mystic abilities to treat their son, Alexis, who suffered from haemophilia. De Jonge sets the stage by providing historical context about the significant socio-political divide in Russia, which many intellectuals, including Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, believed to be central to the nation’s problems. The early chapters of the biography explore Rasputin's humble origins and his potential connections with various religious sects, establishing his complex character and the spiritual climate of early 20th century Russia. De Jonge captures the atmosphere of pre-revolutionary Russia, highlighting the intrigue and corrupt politics of St Petersburg and Rasputin's interactions with the upper classes, including the "Rasputinki," women captivated by his radical views. The book builds towards the notorious assassination attempt by Prince Felix Yusupov on 16 December 1916, emphasising the dramatic clash between Rasputin and Yusupov, which serves as a metaphor for the conflict within Russian society. De Jonge avoids sensationalism in recounting this climax, describing it with an undercurrent of absurdity that reflects the chaotic reality of the time. De Jonge, whose Russian heritage lends credibility to his research, employs an extensive range of sources and incorporates anecdotes that provide a blend of entertainment and scholarly depth. He concludes with an assessment of Rasputin as a remarkable figure, marked by unique abilities but lacking in intelligence and self-discipline, which ultimately rendered him unsuitable for the role he occupied. While acknowledging the persistence of Rasputin’s legendary status, de Jonge's biography represents a significant attempt to delineate fact from fiction regarding this enigmatic historical character, positioning it as a near-definitive work on Rasputin that is unlikely to be surpassed soon.

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