
Recommended read
Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy
John Julius Norwich
Norwich's narrative history of the popes, from Saint Peter's successors to the modern Vatican.

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

Wilhelmina of the Netherlands
Netherlands
1890–1948

Wilhelm II
Prussia
1888–1918

Alfonso XIII
Spain
1886–1931

Emperor Taishō
Japan
1912–1926

Franz Joseph I of Austria
Austria
1848–1916

Gustaf V of Sweden
Sweden
1907–1950

Charles I of Austria
Austria
1916–1918

Mehmed V
Ottoman Empire
1909–1918

Mehmed VI
Ottoman Empire
1918–1922

Nicholas II of Russia
Russia
1894–1917
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
John Julius Norwich
Norwich's narrative history of the popes, from Saint Peter's successors to the modern Vatican.
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