This volume examines the legacy of 12 German families who came to rule countries all over Europe, considering why Germans were so successful in producing these dynasties. Thomson explains how German families from small and obscure towns, lacking a system of primogeniture, created titles for themselves, producing a pool of marriageable spouses for royal families in other countries and thereby dominating European history. He describes their rise to power, influence, achievements and extravagances, the disasters they were responsible for, and their heritage, as well as chapters on the places and relics they built around Europe. Thomson is the author of other books on dynasties. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)