Fiction and reality overlap in this metaphor about power which tells the life story of a tyrant. The main character glorifies in his own unique personality and uses his differences as a form of elitism rather than something to bring people together. His total absence of empathy for his subjects, his disdain for culture and with a mindset that puts him at the centre of the universe, shows him to be the picture of a perfect megalomaniac. Impervious to criticism, anyone who opposes him is condemned and knowing that he is hated only feeds his delusions of grandeur. An unexpected ending turns the reader's expectations upside down as the bombastic posturing reveals itself to be a trivial anecdote. The illustrations are representational and show great attention to detail and a skilful use of colour. They play with the symbolism of the characters - rats, foxes, monkeys, vultures - and stand out for the violence of the humanised scenes.