"Tyrant" is not a Greek word. Aristotle, analyzing the ways in which tyranny arose, established four of their types: demagogues, by discrediting the nobility, proclaim themselves lords of the polis; kings violate paternal institutions and rule despotically; senior elected officials abuse them; in oligarchies, one person concentrates in his hands the most important functions of management. Not being an analogy of tyranny, the book presents Greek history through the prism of the act and personalities of the rulers. Replete with facts and lively details, the book will be of interest to those who are fond of history.