Twisted History

History isn't pretty, but Watson (Secrets & Lies: Elite Fighting Units) makes the case for it being downright gory. The past holds traitors, murderers, thieves, and gangsters with stories written in blood, bones, money, and immorality. Watson recounts the deeds of infamous villains such as the Roman emperor Nero and the legendary pirate Blackbeard, and introduces lesser-known evildoers such as Stalin's hitman, Lavrentiy Beria, and Indian serial killer Thug Behram. A few heroes such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ren%C3%A9 Goupil are also featured, with emphasis on the ways they were victimized by others. Despite the brevity of this survey, Watson paints nuanced portraits of some of history's scoundrels. He acknowledges that some, such as Julius Caesar's betrayer, Brutus, may have had noble motives. Others have been blamed for more than they actually did. Watson doesn't excuse wrongdoing but attempts to present history as accurately as possible, including the places where good and evil collide. The text is cleanly written and supported by extensive photos, sidebars, and clever graphics. These true tales of terror are grimmer than fiction and not for the faint of heart. (Feb.)