Kingdoms of Asia the Middle East and Africa

This is a companion volume to Gene Gurney's very successful book KINGDOMS OF EUROPE. It is the most ambitious textual and pictorial work ever undertaken to record the reigns of hundreds of ruling sovereign of the countries of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, from the pharaohs of ancient Egypt to Japan's Hirohito. KINGDOMS OF ASIA, THE MIDDLE EAST, AND AFRICA was designed by the author to allow the reader to understand the underlying political, historical basis behind current events. As each king or queen is recorded, specific facts and accomplishments of his or her reign are included so that the highlights of Asian, Middle Eastern, and African history pass in review throughout the tremendous work, along with characterizations of the monarchs themselves and their place in history. The political and social developments of the times are also included. The authentic text is based on the U.S. Army Area handbooks and the State Department's up-to-date background coverage of these countries. There are 845 magnificent photographs culled from hundreds of thousands throughout the world, portraying the monarchs themselves in portraits, statues, commemorative postage stamps, coins, medals, autographs, and in family groups. There are stunning battle scenes, historical meetings, coronations, and weddings; scenes depicting important activities in the lives of kings and queens; deaths, beheadings, and funerals; and palaces, cathedrals, conveyances, jewels, imperial flags, paintings, maps, and monuments. The photographs of the more modern monarchs are vividly newsworthy. Everyone interested in Asian, Middle Eastern, and African early history and evolving historical events will need this encyclopedia for his or her library and reference shelf. Includes 845 Illustrations.