Blood and Splendor

By Daniel Myerson

Book Overview

Myerson presents compelling portraits of five of the worst rulers the world has ever known--Nero, Ivan the Terrible, Hitler, Stalin, and Saddam Hussein--whose diabolical deeds strain credulity.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380804891
• ISBN13: 9780380804894
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: HarperPB
• Length: 286 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.8" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Tales of Madness and Splendor!

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.

Unusual, making it good.

Most of us are used to a particular way of writing and reading, Daniel breaks that like so many good published writers. The biography apsect is broken by making conclusions on the individuals, adopting the most likely reason each person in question lived the way they did. That of course is done from the research this author in fact did do, and did a accurate job of that. That leaves the book biased, but here is the clincher as to what is biased, things we don't know or have had any evidense on these persons. I like that, made me think of other motivations as well. This book isn't just about these 5 persons, it's worth the buy if this is an interest.I have to recommend another book that speaks of one more coming horror tryrant, also predicted our current situation accurately, SB 1 or God by Karl Mark Maddox

PBS series in the making?

I highly recommend this book. Myerson gives a fascinating perspective on these tyrannical characters of history and the present day, in a style that's easy to read. I also think it's a 'natural' for a TV documentary, e.g., a series on PBS with a segment on each of these larger than life figures.

A Brilliantly Written Book

Myerson has written a tremendous collection of short biographies. Don't be foooled by its short size. Each biography is not only full and rich; the writing is as gripping as a first-class novel.Most impressive is Myerson's remarkable insight into these historic villans. He has an incredible gift for revealing the layers and contradictions of this "rogue" gallery. He also displays a sensitivity to what inspired these people to succumbing so completely to the darkest part of human nature.The writing is matched by Myerson's excellent "writer's eye" for picking the most offbeat yet revealing moments in the lives of his topics. This keen eye is in use right away with the biography of Adolf Hitler. Of all the moments one could pick for this man of infinite horrors, Myerson introduces us to Hitler as the Fuhrer is sitting down to watch Gone With The Wind. This isn't just a clever introduction; this anecdote is used to bridge us to Hitler's own grand and apocalyptic concept of destiny and history.In short, this is one terrific book. Forget about history; this is a book for anyone who simply wants a gripping read.

This author is a genious!

The best historical perspective on tiranny I have ever read! It is easy to read and filled with fascinating facts I've never heard of before...I could not put it down. A must for any history buff.