Profiles three royal cousins--George V of England, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia--whose actions shaped the course of twentieth-century history, drawing on hitherto unpublished diaries and letters.

Willy's bad start -- Georgie, the second son -- Nicky, the third cousin -- The education of three royal cousins -- Family dramas -- Family strife -- I bide my time -- Willy, the kaiser -- A wedding and a betrothal -- Nicky and Willy -- Turn of the century -- Uncle Bertie and his two nephews -- Willy and Nicky in trouble -- Dangerous disagreements -- Scandals and rivalries -- George inherits the throne at last -- Three cousins go to war -- The end.