"By profiling five of the most notoriously ruthless dictators in history--Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, and Saddam Hussein. . . Davis examines the forces in these strongmen's personal lives and historical periods that shaped the leaders they'd become"--Back cover.

Includes excerpt from In the shadow of liberty : the hidden history of slavery, four presidents, and five Black lives.

Introduction : dictators, despots, and democracy -- Democracy in flames -- "Let arms yield to the toga"--a brief history of democracy -- "Believe, obey, and fight"--the story of Benito Mussolini -- The big lie--the story of Adolf Hitler -- Man of steel--the story of Joseph Stalin -- The long march--the story of Mao Zedong -- Stalin on the Tigris--the story of Saddam Hussein -- Never again?--a new generation of monsters.