Ivan the terrible - the name evokes the legend of a cruel and dangerously insane tyrant. Fearful majesty explores that legend and exposes the man, his nature, and his time. This acclaimed biography of one of russia's most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues russia faces today have their roots in ivan's reign. Ivan iv oversaw huge conquests of neighboring lands, the creation of a national church, and russia's emergence as a world power. Inside you'll read about oBirth of a tyrant oA menagerie of marriages oA tyrant's agony oThe sacking of novgorod, and other campaigns oDeath Nowhere is this more evident than in the legacy of vlad iii dracula, who history has recorded as one of the most notorious and bloodthirsty tyrants of the 15th century. In addition to lending the name dracula to bram stoker's famous vampire, vlad is known around the world by the cognomen vlad the impaler, due to his reputation for impaling thousands of his enemies. Vlad was reputed to be such a tyrant that his reputation and stories of his deeds spread across germany and the rest of europe during his lifetime.