In the Shadow of the Gods

March 28, 2022
Historian Lieven (Russia Against Napoleon) delivers an erudite, globe-spanning study of “hereditary holders of supreme authority” and their systems of government. He highlights the shared features of regimes as far-flung as ancient Mesopotamia and 19th-century Japan, including the challenge of succession, the religious role of the emperor, and the need for a tightly knit relationship between the emperor and landowning elites. The Ottoman, Romanov, and Hapsburg dynasties get their due, but Lieven also introduces readers to more obscure monarchies, including India’s Mauryan Empire (321–189 BCE), which produced the Arthashastra, a guide to statecraft that rivals The Prince, and, under the leadership of a ruler named Ashoka, spread Buddhism across East and Southeast Asia. Lieven also details the advanced cavalry techniques, mobility, and sheer manpower of the Mongol Empire, and argues that under Chinggis Khan (c. 1158–1227 CE), “the Mongol military machine became the most formidable yet seen in history.” Throughout, Lieven pays close attention to female rulers, including Russia’s Catherine the Great and Wu Zetian, the only sovereign empress in Chinese history. Though the last chapter largely abandons the lens of empire for a whirlwind tour of European nationalism, Lieven’s sharp wit and vast knowledge impress. This eloquent and entertaining chronicle casts world history in a new light.

April 1, 2022

Historian Lieven's (Russia Against Napoleon) comparative history of empires from across the globe tracks the rises and falls of imperial dynasties throughout history. By tracking the similarities and differences of the emperors and empresses that ruled huge swathes of the world, Lieven identifies the key traits that made them successful--or not. This enables Lieven to relate the personalities of ancient leaders to modern-day CEOs and political leaders, underscoring the continued importance of these historic lives to the world as we know it today. Lieven's attempts to make the work relevant to modern audiences are usually successful, and his chapters on non-Western European empires provide important background and context for current world affairs. Sometimes the language is a bit dry and academic, but this is nevertheless an engaging read that manages to summarize and synthesize information on almost every major empire in history without getting weighed down by its own scope. VERDICT Definitely a must-have for any academic library that supports history research. Will also appeal to advanced general readers with an interest in history or comparative biography.--Lydia Fletcher

Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from May 1, 2022
A sweeping survey of the evolution of the role of the emperor in terms of geopolitical leadership, empire building, and diplomacy. Moving chronologically from ancient times in Mesopotamia to the present, Lieven, a former professor of Russian studies at the London School of Economics and winner of the Wolfson History Prize, focuses on memorable monarchs as they evolved in their roles. Dynasties such as the Chinese, Mughal, and Ottoman were never efficient or meritocratic, yet despite the "self-evidently flawed system" of hereditary monarchy, it managed to survive as "by far the most prevalent type of polity in history." As the author delineates, the "sacred monarchies" of the Near East--e.g., in ancient Egypt--were most closely aligned with divinity, while for subsequent empires (Persia, Rome), the rulers had to demonstrate exemplary military and political skills--e.g., Alexander and Hadrian. The enduring blueprint of dynastic style, notes Lieven, dictated that the ruler was backed by an inner circle of sycophantic functionaries dependent on his largesse--and willing to tell him what he wanted to hear. (Though largely focused on men, the book includes a few women leaders as well as those wielding power behind the throne.) Particularly appealing are the author's significant discussions of the Chinese emperors, who were first endowed with a sense of the so-called "Mandate of Heaven." These rulers relied heavily on both secrecy and ritual, the latter manifested especially via the three primary schools of thought--Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism--that influenced Chinese leaders across centuries. In contract, the monarchies of modern Europe (see: Louis XIV and countless English kings) were fashioned for public display and lavish ceremony. Regardless of ruling style, the right type of emperor could be hugely influential, especially regarding religion: Ashoka (Buddhism), Constantine (Christianity), and the Safavid shahs (Shi'i Islam). In addition to illuminating analyses of political, social, and cultural matters, Lieven also includes a number of helpful maps to situate readers. A consistently engaging comparison-contrast look at the mechanics of empire.

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