Rasputin and the Russian Revolution

Written by a member of the European aristocracy who observed events at close range, this book offers a colourful and opinionated portrait of the last days of the Romanov dynasty. Princess Catherine Radziwill examines the rise of Grigori Rasputin, the strange mystic who won the favour of the imperial family, and the way his influence deepened the crisis of a decaying monarchy. She describes court intrigues, social tensions, and political blunders that helped prepare the ground for revolution. The narrative blends personal anecdote, court gossip, and historical reflection, giving readers a sense of the atmosphere in Saint Petersburg as war and unrest shook the empire. Though shaped by the author’s own biases, the book remains a revealing document of how contemporaries interpreted Rasputin’s power and the downfall of the tsarist regime. It is ideal for readers interested in imperial Russia, royal courts, and the dramatic prelude to the revolutions of 1917.