Mansel P. Pillars of Monarchy. An Outline History of the History of Royal Guards 1400-1984

London: Quartet Books, 1984. - 205 pgs. Guards are the key to history. Since the personal bodyguards and household troops of the different monarchies in Europe were the largest military forces in their respective capitals, it was they who, in moments of crisis, decided the fate of the monarchy. Guards were always there, on duty, when history was being made, and they often made it themselves. This book covers these famous regiments from the time of Louis XI of France, Catherine II of Russia, the fall of the Bastille, and the Shah of Iran. Color and black and white illustrations.