The Good Monarchs

The Good Monarchs tells the history of 18 of the best kings,  queens, emperors, sultans and caliphs in history. The book starts with  King Josiah of Judah in 641 BCE, who rescued monotheism from a likely  demise. Cyrus the Great of Persia was one of the world's greatest  conquerors, but he was most known for his mercy and just rule that  turned former enemies into loyal subjects. Ashoka, Emperor of the  Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE renounced war in favor of moral  persuasion. In the first century BCE Queen Salome Alexandria of Judea  introduced universal literacy among her subjects. Chapter 5 tells of  Tang Taizong, the best emperor in Chinese history. Umar II was called  the " last righteous caliph", setting an example for the Moslem world  that would not be matched. Chapter 7 tells of Jayavarman VII, ruler of  Cambodia's Khmer empire at its height. Emperor Mansa Musa of Mali ruled a  nation the size of all of western Europe and renowned for its wealth  and learning. In the 14th century CE Poland's greatest ruler, Casmir the  Great is the subject of Chapter 9. Casmir's story is followed by that  of Suleiman the Magnificent of the Ottoman Empire. Queen Elizabeth I of  England presided over England's Golden Age. At a time when the  Inquisition was a hallmark of Europe, the Emperor Akbar in India ruled  over a Mogul Empire known for its religious tolerance. Henri IV of  France, another 16th century monarch, was the best king France ever had.  The Emperor Kangxi in 17th-18th century China was another excellent  monarch, renowned for his interest in just about everything. For most of  the 19th century Brazil was an empire, ruled over by the benevolent  Pedro II. The last 3 chapters center on 3 constitutional monarchs who  far exceeded anyone's expectations. Albert of Belgium saved his nation  in World War One. King Juan Carlos of Spain skillfully led his nation in  a peaceful transition from a fascist dictatorship into a thriving  democracy. Bhumibol Adulyadej was beloved by the Thai people during his  long rule for his unceasing efforts on their behalf. The book closes  with a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of monarchy versus  other forms of government. The final chapter also looks at what factors  contribute to the best rule and rulers.