Blood and Splendor: The Lives of Five Tyrants, from Nero to Saddam Hussein

by Daniel Myerson

Nero, Ivan the Terrible, Stalin, Hitler, and Saddam Hussein. The names evoke horror and bloodshed -- but also awe at the range of power of these despots and their accomplishments. What makes a tyrant? And why, when history has taught us time and again that they must be stopped, do such leaders continue to exist? The five short but substantial biographies in this volume help answer these questions as they tell the stories of five diabolical geniuses, exploring who they are, what they did, and what they drove them to such cruel lengths. You'll read about how the extragance of their lives and the complexity of their obsessions were played out through their political actions, often with global consequences. And you'll discover what conditions could create a tyrant just as horrible today. Spanning centuries and continents, these biographies offer a fascinating glimpse into history's darkest hearts and minds.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction

286 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

As has been stated in other reviews this book has a nice literary style to it which makes the history contained therein come alive. In other words you don't get bogged down with stodgy facts and boring detail but become enthralled with the chilling tales of insanity and cruelty committed by these tyrants. It's really interesting to consider the parallels of these different rulers and the similarities they had to each other regarding different aspects of their lives (such as rough childhoods etc.). Some people have questioned the merit of this book based upon the idea that some details may not be 100% accurate. However, that really makes no difference since all of history as told by historians is always history based upon inclusions of certain details and exclusions of other areas. This isn't to say that the historian shouldn't try to be completely factual but rather that many so-called "sacred" elements of history are brought into question later. So enjoy the ride and be shocked and awed by the brutal tales of these tyrants

[suhaib warraich · Rating 3 out of 5]

the book gives an overview of the lives of five tyrants. the author could have given more detail description of their lives, and it would be more interesting. overall, a small descriptive book on five ruthless mass murderers in the history of mankind.