Political Leadership: A Source Book

This collection of essays draws on writings from mythologists, sociologists, philosophers, historians, and political activists, to present perspectives on the techniques, philosophies, and theories of political leadership throughout history. The forty-three selections offer a broad range of thought and provide a uniquely comprehensive reference.

“The full contours of the debate about leadership are well delineated, . . . focusing the reader's attention on the two key problems posed by the study of leadership:  the character of leaders and the principles which define good leadership.”

—American Political Science Review

“Political Leadership is simply the best available collection of readings about leadership for an undergraduate course.”

—Leadership

An edited collection of seminal literature on political leadership. Essays range from ancient Greece to the twentieth century, covering pundits that include Plato, Machiavelli, and Freud.

Barbara Kellerman is James MacGregor Burns Lecturer in Public Leadership, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.