any novel about a autocrat/dictator/emperor

[warrior6]

what I'm looking for is a novel about a dictator, or any kind of autocratic ruler. something that outlines his rise to power and how he dealt with those opposed to him. how he became powerful, how he staged a coup and wars/conquests etc.

the only books that have had this theme that i can think of is

fitzpatrick's war and I, Mengsk.

if you guys have any that you can recommend i would greatly appreciate it.

it could be near future, alternate history far future etc doesn't matter.

currently I'm looking into a series called the keepers. the first book supposedly chronicles the rise another german dictator named Geiseric. i haven't even gotten the book yet but its the only one in my list of choices so far

http://www.amazon.com/The-Keepers-Pa.../dp/0979691508

thank you

[Seli]

Check the Folding Knife by K.J. Parker, that should be close.

[marshal atkins]

Give "The Man who Used the Universe" by Alan Dean Foster a try.

Another older work would be "Bio of a Space Tyrant" by Anthony

[Chuffalump]

David Gun's Deaths Head series and Chris Bunches Sten series.

Not really concentrating on the autocratic ruler but......

[Hitmouse]

I, Claudius, and Claudius the God by Robert Graves

The best imho, are the films of The Godfather and Godfather II

[Pub]

Dune????????

[ian_sales]

God Emperor of Dune, certainly.