This book investigates the nature of tyrannical rule and its enduring presence throughout history by examining the lives and actions of fifty significant dictators.

The book offers a broad historical survey of dictatorial figures, providing biographical sketches and contextual information on their reigns. Its scope covers a vast period, presenting a diverse array of rulers from different cultures and eras. The collection aims to illuminate the patterns and consequences of absolute power across millennia. The authority perspective suggests this work serves as a comprehensive overview for those interested in the study of political power and its abuses.