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Rasputin: Love Machine, Mad Monk, or Fabricated Myth? with Vadim Malinovsky

Rasputin: Love Machine, Mad Monk, or Fabricated Myth? with Vadim Malinovsky


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Join historian Vadim Malinovsky to uncover the secrets of one of the world’s most mysterious characters. Who was Grigori Rasputin and what role did he play in Russian history? More importantly, how much of his life was real and how much was a complete fabrication?
Rasputin’s murder on December 17, 1916, is known as the “first shot of the Revolution”, a testament to his importance to the history of Russia. And yet this enigmatic character is no clearer to us today than he was at the peak of his influence. Was he a healer? A holy man? Or was he a sinner?
We will start our discovery at the beginning, with Rasputin’s birth and early years leading up to his arrival in St. Petersburg. After exploring his connections to the Royal family and learning about the nature of his influence among their ranks, and why many wanted him out of the way, we will discuss his death and the long-lasting consequences of his assassination. We will place Rasputin in the context of Russian history to understand why his impact is so great and so important, even today.
Rasputin has had a lasting influence on popular culture, in Russia and around the world. We will spend some time learning about how the myths surrounding the man have worked their way into films, cartoons, songs, and brand names. We can even trace his impact on United States contract law after a dispute about his representation in a Hollywood film.
Led by historian Vadim Malinovsky this seminar will be a deep dive into the turbulent years of the Russian Empire before the Revolution. Participants will come away with an increased understanding of the real role this man played in the dramatic events of the pre-revolutionary years.

Vadim is a historian (MA) who has graduated from Lomonosov Moscow State University. His focus is contemporary Russian history. He is working on a PhD dissertation on Stalin's national policy.

Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 18 reviews
94%
(17)
6%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
L
L. (Saint Paul, US)
Excellent

Enjoyed this in-depth look at Rasputin and learn what is fact and what is fiction

A
A.P. (Santa Clara, US)
Fascinating presentation, filled with historical details!

This is a really interesting presentation, filled with historical detail and richly illustrated with historical photographs. I learned a great deal even though I already read a lot on the topic. The pace and the presentation itself are very appropriate, not too fast or too complicated.

B
B.G. (Briarcliff Manor, US)
Very interesting

A very interesting talk about Rasputin. Thank you Vadim

L
L.H. (Lafayette, US)
Well done!

Love these talks by Vadim! He is an excellent presenter, always has excellent visuals and interesting grasp of the history of which he is speaking.

L
L. (Staunton, US)
Good sorting out of Rasputin

Have a good analysis of the various aspects of this character

Customer Reviews

Based on 18 reviews
94%
(17)
6%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
L
L. (Saint Paul, US)
Excellent

Enjoyed this in-depth look at Rasputin and learn what is fact and what is fiction

A
A.P. (Santa Clara, US)
Fascinating presentation, filled with historical details!

This is a really interesting presentation, filled with historical detail and richly illustrated with historical photographs. I learned a great deal even though I already read a lot on the topic. The pace and the presentation itself are very appropriate, not too fast or too complicated.

B
B.G. (Briarcliff Manor, US)
Very interesting

A very interesting talk about Rasputin. Thank you Vadim

L
L.H. (Lafayette, US)
Well done!

Love these talks by Vadim! He is an excellent presenter, always has excellent visuals and interesting grasp of the history of which he is speaking.

L
L. (Staunton, US)
Good sorting out of Rasputin

Have a good analysis of the various aspects of this character