In the history of warfare, an elite group of men have attained almost legendary status through their courage, ambition and unrivalled military genius. But many of these same men possessed deep personal character flaws. In Heroes & Villains, acclaimed historian Frank McLynn focuses on six of the most powerful and magnetic leaders of all time: Spartacus, Attila the Hun, Richard the Lionheart, Cortés, Tokugawa Ieyasu and Napoleon — and examines the qualities that drove them to achieve what no one else dared.

In six powerful portraits, McLynn brilliantly evokes the critical moments when each of these warriors proved themselves in battle, changing their own lives, the destiny of their people and, in some cases, the history of the world.

Heroes & Villains is more than a collection of individual biographies. By examining the complex psychologies of these extraordinary men, McLynn builds up convincing profiles and takes us into the minds of the greatest warriors in history.

Heroes & Villains, the book, accompanies a major new six-part BBC TV series.

Frank McLynn is a highly respected historian who specialized in biographies and military history. He has written over twenty books including critically acclaimed biographies of Napoleon and Richard the Lionheart.