The fall of Porfirio Diaz has traditionally been presented as a watershed between old and new: an old style repressive and conservative government, and the more democratic and representative system th
Joseph II (1741--90) -- son and eventual successor of Maria Theresa -- has conventionally been seen in the context of the "Enlightened Despot'' reformers. Today's turmoil in his former territories inv
This concise and up-to-date assessment of Richelieu's career provides an enthralling introduction to the character and exercise of his power. Richelieu governed France for 18 years until his death and
Kaiser Wilhelm II is one of the key figures in the history of twentieth-century Europe: King of Prussia and German Emperor from 1888 to the collapse of Germany in 1918 and a crucial player in the even
In the Tudor age it was hard enough to be a king and doubly so to be a Queen. Elizabeth I survived! Examines Elizabeth in terms of her power rather than her politics. Traces her relationships w
Forced out of power in the"Glorious Revolution" of 1688, and defeated in the subsequent battle of the Boyne by William of Orange, the short reign of James II has an importance that reaches far beyond
This biography presents the enigmatic and extraordinary life of Stalin and explains why and how he became one of the most powerful Communist leaders of his time. Through recently uncovered research ma
If any modern democratic leader has believed in the "great man'' theory of history and acted self-consciously in accordance with it, it was surely de Gaulle. On both occasions when he came to power it
Gustavus Adolphus (1594--1632) dominated his age: he made Sweden the leading power of Northern Europe, was the principal upholder of the Protestant cause in the Thirty Years War, and was a great admin
Napoleon: From a hero to a zero Illuminates Napoleon's personality and policies. Traces Napoleon's imperial ambitions. Distinguishes the real legacy of the Empire from legend. Napoleon comple
In deference to the theme of the Profiles in Power series, Swain (Russian and East European studies, U. of Glasgow, UK) has focused this biographical examination of Leon Trotsky on the years the Bolsh
