Skip to main content.

Rasputin and the Russian Revolution

Gelesen von Tatiana Chichilla

Princess Catherine Radziwill exposes Rasputin as a charlatan and pawn of Germany in this two-part analysis. Part one discusses the social and religious climate in Russia before WWI and analyzes the particular cultural situation that allowed Rasputin to gain influence. She debunks claims of Rasputin's extraordinary influence in the Russian government, characterizing him instead as a hedonistic, illiterate peasant who was manipulated into furthering Germany's cause during the war. Firsthand accounts from Radziwill herself and others give an unprecedented look into Rasputin's life up to his assassination.

Part two discusses the monarchy and reasons for its collapse. Refuting the common belief that Rasputin brought down the monarchy, Radziwill primarily lays the blame on Alexandra Feodorovna, whom she characterizes as ignorant, spoiled, and self-centered. Radziwill traces a fascinating path from Nicholas II's coronation to the eventual disaster that befell his dynasty, with a full discussion of the political implications, at home and abroad. Lastly, the conclusion was written a year after the initial publication of the book and discusses the early stages of the Bolshevik Revolution. (Summary by Tatiana Chichilla) (6 hr 58 min)

Chapters

Introduction

9:42

Read by Tatiana Chichilla

Part 1 - Chapter I

26:09

Read by Tatiana Chichilla

Part 1 - Chapter II

38:28

Read by Tatiana Chichilla

Part 1 - Chapter III

23:47

Read by Tatiana Chichilla

Part 1 - Chapter IV

27:25

Read by Tatiana Chichilla

Part 1 - Chapter V

26:33

Read by Tatiana Chichilla

Part 1 - Chapter VI

27:37

Read by Tatiana Chichilla

Part 1 - Chapter VII

28:32

Read by Tatiana Chichilla

Part 1 - Chapter VIII

24:54

Read by Tatiana Chichilla

Part 1 - Chapter IX

9:45

Read by Tatiana Chichilla

Part 2 - Chapter I

27:44

Read by Tatiana Chichilla

Part 2 - Chapter II

31:00

Read by Tatiana Chichilla

Part 2 - Chapter III

40:48

Read by Tatiana Chichilla

Part 2 - Chapter IV

38:21

Read by Tatiana Chichilla

Part 2 - Chapter V

16:01

Read by Tatiana Chichilla

Part 3 - Conclusion

22:02

Read by Tatiana Chichilla