Winston Churchill was one of the most extraordinary leaders of the
twentieth century. What enabled him to stand so steadfastly when all
those around him seemed to turn back in fear? What enabled him to
inspire whole nations to endure the unendurable and to achieve the
unachievable when all those around him had already surrendered all hope?
The Character and Greatness of Winston Churchill is a remarkable study
of Churchill's leadership skill and answers these questions and more.
The result is an account that is no less inspiring today than it was
three-quarters of a century ago when the great man's shadow fell large
across the world stage. According to Henry Kissinger, "Our age finds it
difficult to come to grips with Churchill. The political leaders with
whom we are familiar generally aspire to be superstars rather than
heroes. The distinction is crucial. Superstars strive for approbation;
heroes walk alone. Superstars crave consensus; heroes define themselves
by the ... future they see it as their task to bring about. Superstars
seek success in a technique for eliciting support; heroes pursue success
as the outgrowth of their inner values." Winston Churchill was a hero.