Royal Murder: The Deadly Intrigue of Ten Sovereigns

Description

What would you do for absolute power? For many monarchs throughout history, it was a question that ruled their lives. Step into the world of palatial intrigue, where holding the throne means evading death ... or causing it. Some sovereigns were cunning at avoiding their killers. Cleopatra of Egypt once rolled herself into a rug and was carried out past her enemies' noses. Other royals were brutal when dealing with foes. Vlad the Impaler's monstrous methods inspired the legend of Dracula the vampire. From monarchs murdered at the hands of their subjects to kings killed on the battle field, the stories of ten royals are told: * Cleopatra of Egypt (69 BCE - 30 BCE) * Vlad III the Impaler of Wallachia (1431 - 1476) * "Bloody Mary" I (1516 - 1558) * Mary, Queen of Scots (1542 - 1587) * Elizabeth I (1533 - 1603) * Louis XVI (1754 - 1793) * Marie Antoinette (1755 - 1793) * The Romanovs of Russia (1872 - 1918) A final section offers examples from the 20th century, from assassination attempts in England to a royal massacre in Nepal. Blending dramatic storytelling and historical fact, and complete with fascinating photographs and artwork, Royal Murder is a compelling account of scheming sovereigns.

Elizabeth MacLeod is the award-winning author of more than 20 non-fiction books for children, including biographies of Harry Houdini and Helen Keller. She lives in Toronto.

Mysterious deaths and disappearances provide lively discussion topics. Audiences in grade five and up with love hearing these gory, intriguing tales. As Agatha Christie knew, you can't go wrong talking about bodies in the library.--Kathleen Baxter"School Library Journal" (02/01/2009)