This book on the life and times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is a rare and highly researched work on the subject. The author Lepel Griffin has written extensively on the Punjab and Sikh history. He analyses the subject quite objectively. He compares the Sikh monarchy with Napoleonic in the suddenness of its rise, the brilliancy of its success and completeness of its overthrow. This book will always remain an asset for general readers and all those who want to undertake further research on the subject.