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The Rest Is HistoryDecember 6, 2021
128. Rasputin
About This Episode
The peasant who became one of the most influential figures in the final days of the Russian Empire is an unbelievable story. But how much of the gossip, rumour and scandal that surrounded Grigori Rasputin is true? Dominic and Tom discuss, and somehow manage not to get too sidetracked by Boney M. To sign up to the brand new Rest Is History Club, go restishistorypod.com or click here. Benefits for members include an extra episode every week, a live streamed show every month, ad-free listening, and access to a Rest Is History chatroom where we'll be discussing episodes and suggesting subjects for future shows. *The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*: Tom and Dominic are back on tour this autumn! See them live in London, New Zealand, and Australia! Buy your tickets here: restishistorypod.com Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook
Book Mentions
5 book mentions in this episode.
Jump to booksTip: Click “Mentioned at …” to copy a timestamp.
Tip: Click a cover image to open a book link.
Books Mentioned

“The discussion revolves around the themes in Dostoevsky's work and their relevance to Rasputin's story.”
ASIN: 1848702035
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.

Crime and Punishment
Fyodor Dostoevsky
“The picture of St. Petersburg in Crime and Punishment is referenced as a significant influence when reading about Rasputin.”
ASIN: 0679734503
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
“The speaker mentions reading an amazing biography by Douglas Smith about Rasputin's life and times.”
ASIN: N/A
Search on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
The Landlady
Fyodor Dostoevsky
“Some scholars have said this is clearly actually a ripoff of a Dostoevsky short story called the landlady.”
ASIN: N/A
Search on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.

The Twelve Caesars
Suetonius
“The speaker mentions Suetonius and the 12 Caesars in relation to sources for Roman emperors that are wallowing in the same kind of pornographic material.”
ASIN: N/A
Search on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.