Dictatorship in England over a period of 150 years, through its three proponents, -- Henry VIII, Elizabeth and Oliver Cromwell. A brisk, vigorous section of biographical history, evenly alloting emphasis to both event and personality. An interesting interpretation of absolutism, through the force of three strong personalities (there's an introductory chapter on John). But it is not going to be easy to catch the imagination of the reader by promise of a link to modern times. The best angle to take is that this is a thoroughly readable job.