King of Kings : The Triumph and Tragedy of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia

Haile Selassie, the scion of a dynasty reputed to descend from King Solomon, was a pioneer of African unity and independence, a staunch confederate of the Allies in their fight against the fascist Axis powers, and the messiah of the Jamaican Rastafarian movement.

Key highlights of his life and legacy include:

• A reformer and an autocrat, he sought to modernize Ethiopia while holding onto absolute power.
• His reign came to a brutal and ignominious end, as he was toppled and murdered by communist rebels.
• His influence extended far beyond Ethiopia, inspiring movements and shaping the political landscape of Africa.

Asfa-Wossen Asserate, a close descendant who knew the Emperor personally, brings unique clarity to the life of this impressive and complex personality.

King of Kings is the story of the most eminent African ruler of the 20th century and the country he ruled through both stirring and tragic times.