
Recommended read
A History of Sweden
Byron J. Nordstrom
A straightforward introduction to Swedish kings, wars, and society from the Viking age onward.

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Henry II of England
England
1154–1189

Alfonso VIII of Castile
Spain
1158–1214

Afonso I of Portugal
Portugal
1139–1185

Louis VII of France
France
1137–1180

Emperor Gaozong of Song
China
1127–1129; 1129–1162

Wanyan Liang
China
1150–1161

Manuel I Komnenos
Rome
1143–1180

Frederick Barbarossa
Holy Roman Empire
1155–1190

Malcolm IV of Scotland
Scotland
1153–1165

Emperor Nijō
Japan
1158–1165

Pope Alexander III
Papacy
1159–1181

Saint Erik
Sweden
1156–1160
One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.
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From the library
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

Recommended read
Byron J. Nordstrom
A straightforward introduction to Swedish kings, wars, and society from the Viking age onward.
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