[Illustration: CHARLEMAGNE.] THE BOYS’ BOOK OF FAMOUS RULERS. BY LYDIA HOYT FARMER, AUTHOR OF “THE STORY OF SCIENCE,” “THE PRINCE OF THE FLAMING STAR,” “WHAT SHE MADE OF HER LIFE,” ETC. [Illustration] NEW YORK: THOMAS Y. CROWELL & CO., No. 13 ASTOR PLACE. _Copyright_, BY THOMAS Y. CROWELL & CO. 1886. J. S. CUSHING & CO., PRINTERS, BOSTON. DEDICATED TO MY CHILDREN PREFACE. THE aim of this book is to give in as concise manner as possible, consistent with graphic narration and biographical completeness, the most important and interesting events in the lives of these famous rulers; together with a brief history of the various epochs in which they lived, and a description of the manners and customs of the people comprising the several nations governed by these illustrious monarchs. CONTENTS. PAGE AGAMEMNON 1 CYRUS THE GREAT 30 ALEXANDER THE GREAT 71 JULIUS CÆSAR 110 CHARLEMAGNE 142 ALFRED THE GREAT 169 RICHARD CŒUR DE LION 195 ROBERT BRUCE 233 FERDINAND V. OF SPAIN 266 PHILIP II. OF SPAIN 291 GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS 312 LOUIS XIV. 334 PETER THE GREAT 367 FREDERICK THE GREAT 398 NAPOLEON I. 433 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.