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The reign of Elizabeth I was one of the most important periods of expansion and growth in British history, the so-called 'Golden Age'. This celebrated and influential study of Elizabeth reconsiders how she achieved this and the ways in which she exercised her power.

Catherine rose to rule the Russian empire for 30 years. This study explores what she did with her power and how much of it she commanded. The work analyzes the interaction of the nobility and bureaucracy in 18th- century Russia and the nature of authority in Europe of "Enlightened Absolutism".

Wife of one French king and mother of three others (Francis II, Charles IX and Henry III), Catherine de'Medici was, as Regent and Queen Mother, a key figure in French politics for 30 years. This text studies her historical influence.

This study of the life, career and times of Harold Macmillan, traces his rise to influence under Churchill during World War II, explores the origins and nature of his political ideas and ambitions, and analyzes his political manoeuvring after Suez, and his premiership.

Aimed primarily at undergraduates, this text examines the reign of Gustavus Adolphus and his chancellor Oxenstierna in 17th century Sweden. Adolphus was the principal upholder of the Protestant cause in the Thirty Years War and was a great administrator and soldier.

Kaiser Wilhelm II is one of the key figures in the history of the 20th century. this book explores both the ruler and his times. It covers the entire span of his life, including his years in exile and assesses his personal failings as a ruler.

Porfirio Diaz, President of Mexico (1876-1880 and 1884-1911) dominated his country during a crucial phase of its development into a modern nation. A comprehensive biography of Diaz, this text is an account of political survival and demise.

Eisenhower, the president who established America as a superpower, had already launched his reputation as the leading US military figure in World War II and then as supreme commander of the land forces of the newly created NATO. This book looks at how he held power in the political field, and to what extent his political career was a success.

A study of the life, career, beliefs and motives of Cavour, first prime minister of Italy. This was a position which he created, as it did not exist when his career began. Topics covered include the argument that Cavour was more interested in increasing Piedmont's power than in Italian unification.

Most famous in Europe for his efforts to establish the League of Nations under US leadership at the end of World War I, Woodrow Wilson stands as one of America's most influential and visionary presidents. Seen by both admirers and critics as an idealist and a heroic martyr to the cause of internationalism, John Thompson takes a different view.

It took a controversial monarch from outside Britain and Ireland to free the country from the chronic instability of Stuart Britain. This new portrait of William III tells us how and why.

Gandhi was not only the most important Indian figure of the 20th century, he is the most famous pacifist ever. This is a readable examination of Gandhi and the nature of his often unconventional and controversial power.

Presenting a re-assessment of Ivan the Terrible, this work examines the ways in which his policies contributed to the creation of Russia's distinctive system of unlimited monarchical rule. It argues that the often gruesome forms assumed by the terror reflected not only his personal cruelty and sadism, but also his religious views.

An excellent introduction to the formidable life and career of Peter the Great and his impact on Russia. M.S. Anderson assesses his aims and achievements at home and abroad, and examines the pressures and restrictions that shaped his attitudes and limited his actions.

Part of the "Profiles in Power" series, this text examines the life and achievements of Charles de Gaulle. The text concentrates primarily on de Gaulle's political involvement and aims to present a critical interpretation of his political career in its various dimensions and phases.

Tanaka was a populist Japanese politician. He came from a very humble background in a poor part of the country. He helped shape the political climate of modern Japan, particularly in terms of his corruption and sinister connections with business and organized crime.

Forced out of power in the" Glorious Revolution" of 1688, and defeated in the battle of the Boyne by William of Orange, the short reign of James II has an importance that reaches beyond his three years in power. This book examines James' role in the American colonies, in Scotland between 1679 and 1862, and his final exercise of power in Ireland.

Leader of the anti-slavery Republican coalition and the wartime Union, Abraham Lincoln has become a model of a particular kind of democratic politician who led rather than followed. Richard J. Carwardine examines Lincoln's rise to power and his achievements as US president.

Clement Attlee was the Labour leader from 1935 to 1955, and Prime Minister of the first majority Labour governments in the postwar years from 1945 to 1951. This study examines the man behind the stern exterior, finding ambition and indecision, and a moral vision.

This study examines Ataturk's life from his early military and political career. It includes chapters on the foundation of Turkey's national movement; the civil war; modernization, westernization and reform; and politics, opposition and conspiracy.

Seeks to analyze the constraints under which Joseph II operated, his attempts to overcome them and the reasons for his failure. A constant theme is his attempt to construct a modern state and the baleful effects this misguided exercise had on the Habsburg monarchy, the Holy Roman Empire and Europe.

A profile of the contradictory statesman Charles Maurice Prince de Talleyrand who went from church establishment figure to revolutionary, supporter of Napoleon Bonaparte to promoter of the Bourbon Restoration during one of the most turbulent periods of French and European history.

Professor Richard Carwardine, St Catherine's College, Oxford; calls this work, a fresh and vividly written account, of Franklin D.Roosevelt's life, covering his early days in one of the nation's oldest and richest families; the effect of the polio that ravaged him in his prime; and the role of his early political career and his 12-year presidency.

James McMillan moves away from ideologically-based representations of Napoleon III to focus on his use of power.

A lucid analysis of Mao as revolutionary general, ideologist and astute political manipulator, this introduction to the life and career of Mao Zedong provides an excellent introduction to modern Chinese history and its enigmatic protagonist.

Looks at the sources of Martin Luther King's power in the black community and its relationship to wider American society, focusing on the role of the black church, the philosophy of nonviolence and issues of leadership, whilst paying attention to the voices of King's critics and detractors and to the limitations of his power.

"Profiles in Power" is a series which focuses on some of the most important leaders in history and how they used their power to influence and change the course of world events. This text focuses on Cardinal Richelieu.