Leadership - (Harper Perennial Political Classics) by James M Burns (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The "seminal book on power" (New York Times) that "continues to dominate the field" (Harvard Business Review)

"A landmark historian" (Jon Meacham), James MacGregor Burns, winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, devoted his legendary career to the study of leadership in all its aspects--from politics to business. Leadership, Burns's pioneering study, introduces the highly influential theory of "transformational leadership," stating that the best leaders are those who inspire others to come together toward the achievement of higher aims. Featuring fascinating case studies drawn from history, Leadership is the classic text for anyone seeking to understand executive decision-making, the dynamics of influence, and moral leadership.

From the Back Cover

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian James MacGregor Burns devoted his legendary career to the study of leadership in all its aspects--from politics to business. Leadership, Burns's pioneering study, introduces the highly influential theory of "transformational leadership," stating that the best leaders are those who inspire others to come together toward the achievement of higher aims. Featuring fascinating case studies drawn from history, Leadership is the classic text for anyone seeking to understand executive decision-making, the dynamics of influence, and moral leadership.

Review Quotes

"A landmark historian." -- Jon Meacham, Newsweek

"One of the most influential leadership authorities, James MacGregor Burns advanced the concept of 'transformational leadership, ' whereby leaders have the ability and obligation to share an overarching vision with their followers." -- Boston Globe

"Leadership remains a classic in the field. Burns has spent a lifetime studying presidential leadership." -- Margaret Warner, The News Hour with Jim Lehrer

"Leadership had a major impact. ... Burns's definition of leadership continues to dominate the field. " -- Harvard Business Review

"Touches on every aspect of politics that is pertinent to leadership . . . Burns distinguishes true leadership from mere power-holding and domination . . . Valuable . . . Offers suggestions for fostering true leadership." -- New York Times Book Review

"James MacGregor Burns's seminal book on power" -- New York Times

"Pulitzer prize-winner James MacGregor Burns introduced the concept of transformational leadership in his book Leadership. For him, it characterized the great leaders of history." -- Management Today