Excellent review of the political situation, as complicated by the familial relations throughout Europe, in the 50 years preceding World War I. Particular emphasis on the role Kaiser Wilhelm II played (he influenced conditions more than any other monarch), and on the deterioration of Russia, showing the conditions that led to their revolution. (I found that particularly interesting and plan to pursue further reading on that topic). Nice wrap-up at the end giving list of crowned heads that lost their thrones both at the beginning and at the end of the war, noting that England was the only major power to keep their monarch.

This book was picked for a college history report, and I was very pleased with my choice!