Description
Keep up with the ever-changing parade of world governments and regimes--who's in and who's out--with this updated edition of the popular classic. Comprehensive, fun, and easy-to-use, it lists all the bigwigs who rule--or used to rule-- every city/state, duchy, nation, and empire that is, or ever was. From Afghanistan's Amir Ahmad Shah to Zambia's President Kaunda, in ancient and modern times, they're here. Countries are listed alphabetically, and their rulers chronologically, with dates of birth, death, and tenure of office, plus facts about the country's origin, changes in the government, and circumstances of a defunct state's fall. A fascinating and fun assortment of facts and trivia that will delight scholars and amateurs alike.
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Can you name all the rulers of the Thracian dynasty? How about the prime ministers of the Republic of Ireland? How long did Jerome, brother of Napoleon, rule Westphalia? They are all here, from the kings of Abyssinia to the prime minister/president of Zimbabwe, including their reigns, titles, and in some cases their dates of birth and death and relationship to their predecessor. A remarkable number are designated "the Great," but a respectable few are Bluetooths and Forkbeards, and the editors provide very informative commentary about the events leading to the various administrations and reigns. Some entries are quite startling: Macbeth was a real king, for example, and there were two Pepins the Short. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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