In Evil Masters, Toronto writer Laura Scandiffio chronicles the terrible and terrifying careers of seven tyrannical rulers. Ranging from the lesser-known, such as Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China, and Robespierre, to the more familiar, including Hitler and Saddam Hussein, the book provides biographical and historical overviews of each man’s life and despotic leadership. With a focus on the techniques of tyranny – for instance, propaganda, terror, and opportunism – the text explores how these individuals became such monsters, and how the same traits that made them dictators also brought about their downfalls.

Scandiffio focuses exclusively on one tyrant per chapter, with five pages about other modern tyrants (including Pol Pot and Pinochet) at the end. Given the many commonalities between the men and their practices, I found it odd that explicit connections weren’t made between chapters; instead, techniques are presented in each instance as new information, creating a disquieting and cumulative sense of déjà vu.

Targeted to readers age 12 and up, Evil Masters takes a straightforward approach in telling these histories. Black-and-white maps, photos, and portraits are the sole illustrations, and the text is interrupted only rarely with a floating quotation, timeline, or sidebar of facts, so the book best suits readers who need no other stimulation than the written word. A rather ad-hoc glossary, a list of further readings, and a capable index support the main text.

Because this informative book is solidly researched and written in clear and accurate prose, it deserves a place on library and classroom shelves. It may also engage a young reader with a particular interest in one of its subjects.