King of Kings: The Triumph and Tragedy of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia

by Asfa-Wossen Asserate, Thomas Pakenham (Foreword), Peter Lewis (Translator)

Haile Selassie I, the last emperor of Ethiopia, was as brilliant as he was formidable. An early proponent of African unity and independence, Haile Selassie, who claimed to be a descendant of King Solomon, fought with the Allies against the Axis powers during World War II and was a messianic figure for the Jamaican Rastafarians. Written by Asfa-Wossen Asserate, Haile Selassie’s grandnephew, this is the first major biography on this final “king of kings.”

Asserate introduces Haile Selassie as a reformer and an autocrat whose personal history—with all of its upheavals, promises, and horrors—reflects in many ways the history of the twentieth century itself. Chosen as Time’s “Man of the Year” in 1936 for resisting Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie was celebrated by many as the anti-colonialist “father of Africa.” But the final years of his empire saw turmoil and revolution, and he was ultimately overthrown and assassinated in a communist coup.

Asserate, who spent his childhood and adolescence in Ethiopia before fleeing the revolution of 1974, knew Haile Selassie personally and gained intimate insights into life at the imperial court. Using his own personal experiences and painstaking research in family and public archives, Asserate has achieved a colorful and even-handed portrait of the emperor and his tumultuous reign.

Genres: History, Biography, Africa, Nonfiction, Ethiopia

480 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2015

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the best accounts of Haile Selassie's life published so far. It is comprehensive, detailed, provides anecdotal evidence of his life as a young regent to his days as an Emperor and more importantly tries to depict his achievements and mistakes in a most objective manner (the only lapse in the author's objectivity is when he suggests that HS could be sanctified for the benefit of the Rastafarians. This admittedly is suggested as an alternative to HS being considered as godly by the members of this religion). The history of the Ethiopian Empire, the Orthodox Church and the ancient institutions, Ethiopia's battle tooth and nail against a massively brutal Italian Fascist regime are here described with passionate fervour and justify Abyssinian pride in their ancestry. I particularly appreciate the fact that it was written by an Ethiopian with a wider vision, not a European or Western centric review, but an insider portrayal of HS's family and legacy. Having read extensively on the Red Terror times and on the EPLF rise to power in the Nineties, this book provided me with the antecedents to these times, as well as explaining some rituals and observances that I was familiar with from my time in Ethiopia, but not clear on their function. I would love to read more on the next chapter of Ethiopia's history, the last thirty years. The author seems to indicate that the country is now being governed along ethnic lines and should instead revert to the people richness and diversity of the Empire. Only time will tell.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume works as both a political history of Ethiopia and a biography of Haile Selassie. Asfa-Wossen Asserate has an insiders perspective on this, as the son and the grandson of two of Selassie's key advisors, growing up in the Emperor's inner circle. Asserate was in Germany at the time of the 1974 coup, escaping the death and imprisonment that engulfed the rest of his family. Written four decades later, this book has a careful reflective tone - and the book considers several angles on its central question of "what went wrong?".
While the book is by no means short, it races through 60 very full years of power with less than a chapter dedicated to significant events like five years of exile. Selassie's crucial support for the ANC gets a sentence or two. But while I knew very little going in, I had no trouble keeping up. Asserate's analysis is always interesting but is also always only too brief. Because of the comprehensive focus, it feels accessible now to look things up and explore in more depth. And in the end, the book makes the point that anything too simplistic does badly by a leader with this longevity and impact beyond his own borders. At a time when we are starting to realise how much of our learned history is a narrow narrative, understanding the stories of figures such as Ras Tafari can change perspectives.

[Cody K · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Truly a 4.5 Rating)

Emperor Haile Selassie I's story is one of incredible backbone and fits the subtitle of triumph and tragedy well. From his process of cementing himself as the ruler of Ethiopia, to his constant battles against imperialism, philosophy while in exile, modernization of his country, and his eventual downfall the story is one many more people should know. I have been fascinated with Ethiopia for years as one of the few states able to resist imperialism, and to learn the modern history of Ethiopia it is required to follow Haile Selassie.

This biography is wonderfully researched and written. From firsthand accounts, personal interviews with those that survived the Red Terror, historical texts, newspaper clips, and more the author paints a well balanced and vivid story of the Emporer. I believe it is especially significant that the author himself is Ethiopian and can truly guide our thoughts on the common feelings and thoughts of the Ethiopian people throughout the events that transpire in the text.

Ultimately, Haile Selassie was a complicated man. Leading his country through attempts to subjugate them time and time again, his autocratic and paternal style did eventually catch up to him. There is no doubt in my mind that he helped the Ethiopian people much more than he hurt them, and the author does a tremendous job outlining the attempts to smear his public image that the Derj underwent. A quote that I agree tremendously with as a closing thought was "Haile Selassie's greatest fault was that he reigned for far too long - and that he did not realize it." (p. 356)

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming in as someone without a ton of background in Ethiopian or even broader African history, I absolutely enjoyed this biography. The author set context well - he uses Selassie as a lens through which to view the broader changes in the Horn of Africa between the pre-WWI era through to the Cold War. I also thought the author was really balanced in his approach, highlighting both Selassie's strengths and flaws and addressing the particular challenges posed to him and his regime but also places where he and his regime made significant missteps. That balanced approach is particularly impressive because the author's own father and grandfather were players in that regime.

I think the combination of personal and political was really what made the book shine. Because he knew Selassie and was himself part of the royal family, his narrative combined cited sources referencing historical events with his family's internal narrative in a way that felt to me honest and authentic. Four stars because there are some sections that were a bit dry and I found the official titles confusing (my version of the book included a family tree and a glossary of terms, both of which helped but did not fully solve the problem). But overall, an exceptional way to learn about one of the most significant players in African history and his region more broadly.

[Patrick Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

In addition to being a historian and political scientist, Asfa-Wossen Asserate is the nephew of the late Haile Selassie. For the most part, he manages to balance the two roles well enough, producing this readable and admirably balanced biography. There are a few passages that can seem cloyingly hagiographic, but these are the exception. He cannot deny that Haile Selassie, whatever his personal merits, did not always display the best political judgment, particularly late in his reign. His final judgement, that the Emperor would be better remembered if he had not ruled for so long, is difficult to dispute. However inspirational he may have been to the first generation of postcolonial African leaders, the fact remained that Haile Selassie continued to rule in the 1960s and 70s very much in the style to which he had become accustomed in when he first came to power (initially as a regent) in 1916. He failed to see that Africa and the world had moved on.

[Mark Stemmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in African history. King of kings begins with a different African story - one that isn’t about slavery and colonisation, but about a mighty empire that resisted European occupation, and was lead by a dynasty of proud regents stretching back to biblical times. But it also tells the story of the glorious rise of the last emperor - Haile Selassie, to modernised his country, at a pace he would eventually be unable to keep up with, before falling victim to a cruel communist-backed military coup. Asfa-Wossen’s recount of the emperor’s life will charm you like few biographies do - not shying away from highlighting the Emperor’s flawed nature, and indecisiveness in later years.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent years looking for an objective biography of Haile Selassie. Asserate's version is the closest I've come.

One red flag is that Asserate is a member of the royal family of Ethiopia, but he is upfront and open about this and the moments of defensiveness seen in the book are transparent and not all uncalled for.

The only other note is that the language is sometimes a bit stilted, but I think this derives from the fact that the book itself is translated from German into English.

Beyond these small issues, this is a great book and it's good to finally see Selassie get a solid biography of what truly was an interesting life.

[Phil Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its definitely a great read as an introduction to the emperor. I would have liked more to it; maybe an extra 100 pages and a bit more of his personal self. But all and all its got everything I could have hoped for in a bio on an historical icon that remains obscure to most westerners. Despite the author being a former courtier to the emperor, he does give credit and discredit where its due. I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in the subject, and I advise the same to avoid Kapuscinski's book on Halie Salassie.

[Ingebjørg Wiseman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read, both as a biography about Haile Selassie but also about modern Ethiopian history in general. The author is related to Haile Selassie, which gives him a unique insight into his life. I did think he avoided some of the tougher parts of Haile Selassie’s legacy, it wasn’t an all over positive account, but some dark aspects of his regime should have been discussed as well, the account was a bit rose painted. Still a very compelling read, I kept looking forward to reading more.

[AK Bast]

For a very long time, Ethiopia remained obscured to the rest of Africa, including to its neighbours in East Africa. This book is a perfect eye opener. While the book tells the story of one of Africa's greatest men, the author went to great lengths to make the reader appreciate why modern Ethiopia remains, in many ways, different from its East African neighbours. The book is well written and I enjoyed reading it from the moment I held it in my hands. I highly recommend it to anyone trying to learn the history of Ethiopia.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction into the life of Haile Selassie, and some historical, political background about Ethiopia. Asfa-Wossen Asserate is the great grandson of Selassie, and his father was the last President of the Imperial Crown Council, so I had concerns that this would be a hagiography. Thankfully it wasn't, and while it must be slightly less objective, the sparing inner circle anecdotes add to the readability, but doesn't bog it down. I enjoyed reading this.

[Mitchel Hemmings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book for anyone interested in seeing post-Victorian era history from a more neutral country as well as anyone interested in Ethiopia or the pan-African movement's history. The author is great at blending both the history of Ethiopia as well as the personal struggles and triumphs of Haile Selassie. Worth a read for history heads!

[Chris Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew absolutely nothing about Ras Tafari or Ethiopian history and really enjoyed this book. It's a fascinating topic, told with the right amount of detail to give it depth without making it tedious. The author comes from the aristocracy and his pro-king views come though, but it feels as if he is trying his best to be impartial as much as he can. I definitely recommend this book.

[Cary Lackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive biography of the last emperor of Ethiopia, His Majesty Haile Selassie I, from an “insider,” the emperor’s great nephew, Asfa-Wossen Asserate. The book chronicled the history of Ethiopia as well as the emperor’s family history, rise, and heart breaking fall. I was particularly interested in Haile Selassie’s impression of Jamaica and the Rastafari, which the author did detail, in his recollection of the emperor’s 1966 state visit. All in all, a well-written and fascinating account of an influential giant of the 20th Century. Highly recommended.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author's personal interactions with the Emperor and members of his administration were very interesting, but the book seemed to spend an unnecessary amount of time discussing ceremonial aspects of the Ethiopian Empire. A good read, and even presentation.

[Annika Janson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combining academic excellence and personal memories and insights. Truly interesting in a unique way. Do not skip the foreword and the author’s final reflections.

[Want2fly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book must read to know Ethiopia!

A book must read to know Ethiopia! Read while travel will have deeper understanding. A sad story of the last emperor of Ethiopia.

[Sole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit dry, and not much info regarding palace and family life (his first wife is non existant according to this biography, for example).

[Nhlamulo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

[Matthew Triplett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t find myself very equipped to review non-fiction so I’m not going too.

Lots of fascinating politics in this one.

[Julian Mydlil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Quite insightful and even though the author was quite close to Haile Selassie I, I think he gives a balanced treatment.

[Vitalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and incredibly informative.

[Michael Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent biography of a very interesting individual. The great-nephew of Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia and King of Kings, provides a brilliant insight in the life of Haile Selassie, in an unbiased subjective way. Well worth a read

[Hudds LitFest]

Our 'Discovering Haile Selassie' event with Lemn Sissay and Asfa-Wossen Asserate has just begun!

Our committee member Melissa Wong has written this review for us!

"Afsa -Wossen Asserate has written an incisive account of the Ethiopian political landscape under the rule of
Emperor Haile Selassie, along with a thoughtful consideration of his legacy. Very effectively merging scholarly research, a broad social history, accounts by key figures and personal recollection, the author guides
us with confidence through the vast broad cultural changes that have taken place this century.

A very broad sweep then. Several chapters are densely packed with historical detail and factual information gleaned from government reports, domestic news articles, foreign correspondants, government minutes and other official sources. Since war and political turmoil led to the destruction of key buildings housing documents which might have shed light on the era, the inclusion of information from these sources is impressive. This all adds to the sense that we are getting a rare guided tour around the landscape from a priveleged insider.

As a great nephew of Selassie, this prize winning author is one the of the few writers alive who could offer such a skilled insight into Selassie as a ruler and a man and this mix makes the book fascinating reading.
Personal anecdotes give us a real sense of getting behind the mask of a ruler who was a descendent of King Soloman and who was regarded as a messiah by some.
The author outlines his boyhood and early teens royal circles in a matter of fact way and his recollections -along with the occasional wry comment - give us a fascinating insight into international and royal diplomacy.

This book aims to be a useful, readable addition to thewritten history of a nation. It succeeds with aplomb. I found myself wanting to read more widely on the subject - always a great sign.

In addition to finding the chapters densley packed with African political history zinging along, I found myself moved by the chapters containing lots of room for personal reminiscences. As a portrait of a powerful political enigma, King of Kings delivers the goods in quite some style. We are deftly given an understanding of how
Selassie managed to inspire a sense of awe, both within Ethiopia and further afield.

Though written by an author who is himself part if the royal house of Ethiopia, this is no hagiography. The book wraps up with an insightful exploration of the blinkers won by Selassie , described here as eventually something of a despot, and the factors which led to a gradual disillusionment by a nation of the stewardship of the country by an all - powerful individual who assumed unassailability.

A very good read indeed."

[Gene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good look at the life of a legendary figure. Mr. Asserate, as a member of the royal family of Ethiopia and someone who actually knew Haile Selassie, gives an inside look that western biographers just can't do. He gives a very even handed view of the Emperor's rule and fully details the shortcomings that led to his fall. Some very interesting info I never knew included. For example I had always thought that the U.S. base in Ethiopia had been closed due to the communist takeover in 1974. This I remember as being an issue going back to the Iran hostage crisis. We had problems bringing a military presence into the area and had to rent the small island of Diego Garcia from the UK. Actually the Nixon administration told the Emperor they were phasing out the bases due to the advanced technology that made it obsolete (Kagnew Station was a spy base with huge radars). The Ethiopian government was very upset at losing the bases and the aid money they received in exchange for them. Very interesting reading!

[Lydia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I was hypervigilant since author is Haile Selassie's grandnephew (did we really need to hear about the ice cream outing with the Emperor and those rides in the fancy cars?), but this book is most concerned with justifying and apologizing for what ended up being a corrupt, tone-deaf, ineffective regime. No doubt the Emperor had many good intentions and helped build and protect Ethiopia from hostile forces while also ushering in some modern improvements -- no easy feat -- but without a doubt he long outstayed his effectiveness and became paranoid against reform and change. Also interesting that Asserate devotes to much space to discounting the Kapuściński's famous profile of the end of the regime, "The Emperor." The language is very pompous and wooden which adds to the tone of excessive loyalty -- but maybe that's the translation.

[Stephen King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being a relative of Haile Selassie, Asserate has written a well balanced and insightful analysis of the achievements and failings of the last emperor of Ethiopia. Particularly insightful are the personal stories and recollections from family members to which only someone in Asserate's position could have had access. These give the history a vibrancy and immediacy beyond a dry biography.

[Born Uhuru · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most uniquely written pieces on H.I.M Haile Selassie I and Ethiopia. Asfa Wossen Asserate touches on so many subjects that are only glanced at by other works including the Autobiographies of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I. My copy has so many pen marks because of all the valuable information it has. Felt like I traveled into time overlooking Ethiopia and it’s progression.

[Vafa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A splendid biography of Emperor Haile Selassie from an insider . Loved the book, which reminded me of my dear father who as a physician had met the emperor he admired.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

As read to me by The Wife.
Iron. Lion. Zion.