In this fascinating biography Nigel Ashton tells the story of King Hussein of Jordan (reigned 1953-99), who survived would-be coups, assassination attempts and constant regional instability to become one of the world's most loved and respected-statesmen. Writing-with unprecedented access to Hussein's private papers, Ashton brings to life Hussein's complex relationships with fellow leaders from Yasser Arafat to Ronald Reagan-and his many years of covert dialogue with Israeli politicians, culminating in the historic 1994 peace treaty between Jordan and Israel. Book jacket.