Across the centuries, kingmakers and usurpers have had a catalytic effect on the course of history. This volume explores the actions of 350 historical figures who used cunning, intrigue, assassination, violence and oppression in order to seize power or promote and manipulate their prodigy. Based on a chronological format which traces events from ancient times to the present day, the text describes the actions of both the famous and the lesser known rulers, dictators and despots throughout the world. Characters discussed include King Herod, Queen Boadicea, Attila the Hun, Napoleon, Catherine the Great, Oliver Cromwell, Julius Caesar, Franco, Mussolini and Idi Amin.