Product Description

The Unexplored Connections Between Two of History’s Greatest Leaders

Ronald Reagan and Winston Churchill were true giants of the twentieth century, but somehow historians have failed to notice the many similarities between these extraordinary leaders. Until now.

In Greatness, Steven F. Hayward–who has written acclaimed studies of both Reagan and Churchill–goes beneath superficial differences to uncover the remarkable parallels between the two statesmen. In exploring these connections, Hayward shines a light on the nature of political genius and the timeless aspects of statesmanship–critical lessons in this or any age.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #173041 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-24
• Released on: 2006-10-24
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .39 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Ronald Reagan was just a B-list actor when Winston Churchill assumed control over Europe's fate. Even as president, Reagan remained at heart a California rancher with Midwestern roots, while Churchill was a British aristocrat groomed for the political stage from a young age. Despite these obvious differences, American Enterprise Institute fellow Hayward (The Age of Reagan; Churchill on Leadership) argues that the two icons possessed the same essential ingredients for the making of political greatness: boundless vision and imagination; a capacity for strength and optimism, even humor, in the face of crisis; an iron will; and a denunciation of evil, embodied most famously in Churchill's Iron Curtain speech and Reagan's "evil empire" and "tear down this wall" counterparts. While the two were essentially conservative figures, Hayward's analysis is not innately political but is, rather, marked by balanced insightfulness. Finally, the author argues, with an optimism worthy of his subjects, that political greatness in the 21st century—an ostensible oxymoron at times—is not only necessary but possible. This is a useful primer for students of political science, not to mention politicians, in the essential qualities of truly great leaders. (Oct. 11)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Hayward compares and contrasts two stalwarts of conservatives' twentieth-century pantheon. Sympathetic to Reaganism, Hayward finds similarities between Winston Churchill and Ronald Reagan and strives to generalize them as generic attributes of political greatness. Perhaps that will expand his audience; in any case, admirers of his two subjects will be reinforced in their views by Hayward's observations. These typically reflect off the criticisms made of Churchill and Reagan by contemporaries, such as their fear of wielding power. This attitude was not the preserve of socialist or liberal opponents but existed in the men's own parties. Consequently, both men experienced a "wilderness" period before events moved toward their way of thinking, a validation in their own minds, in Hayward's argument, that providence had marked them for a special historical mission. Imagination was also behind their conservatism, which was instinctual rather than intellectual, Reagan characteristically explaining his policies anecdotally. Concluding with their repugnance for the Soviet system--which each believed, against the grain of realpolitik, was destined for collapse--Hayward's essay previews his forthcoming history of the Reagan presidency. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
“In times of crisis, countries need leaders of courage, conviction, and clarity with an ability to rally the nation to overcome its challenges. Churchill and Reagan were two such historic leaders. Anyone interested in the lessons of leadership will find this a compelling and important book.” —Newt Gingrich

“Brilliant. If you admired Churchill and liked Reagan, you will love this book. You will smile and nod yes to yourself again and again as the comparability of these two men is unveiled.” —Martin Anderson, editor of Reagan, In His Own Hand

“A well-researched and nicely written book with enough ‘aha’ similarities to make one think that there might be something in the character of these two landmark figures to be worth teaching future generations.” —Washington Times

“A great book on greatness.” —PowerLineBlog.com

“Hayward makes a compelling case that these two men shared a vision–and some important character traits–that made them the twentieth century’s greatest statesmen. . . . An elegantly written book.” —The American Enterprise