Greatness: Reagan, Churchill, and the Making of Extraordinary Leaders

By Steven F. Hayward

Book Overview

The incredible 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 the superficial differences to uncover the remarkable (and remarkably important) 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. A swift-moving and original book, Greatness reveals: The striking similarities between Reagan's and Churchill's political philosophies: the two were of the same mind on national defense, the economy, and many other critical issues What made both Reagan and Churchill so effective in the public arena-including their shared gift for clearly communicating their messages to the people The connecting thread of the Cold War, which was bookended by Churchill's "Iron Curtain" address of 1946 and Reagan's "Tear Down This Wall" speech of 1987 The odd coincidences that mark everything from their childhoods to their shifts from Left to Right to their shared sense of personal and national destiny Ultimately, Hayward shows, the examples of Churchill and Reagan teach us what is most decisive about political leadership at the highest level-namely, character, insight, imagination, and will. Greatness also serves as a sharp rebuke to contemporary historians who dismiss notions of greatness and the power of individuals to shape history. Hayward demonstrates that the British historian Geoffrey Elton had it right when he wrote, "When I meet a historian who cannot think that there have been great men, great men moreover in politics, I feel myself in the presence of a bad historian."

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 030723715X
• ISBN13: 9780307237156
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Crown Forum
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.79 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.8" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating and thought-provoking

This is a short, fascinating, and thought-provoking read -- something that's always hard to find! Fascinating, even eerie parallels between Churchill and Reagan: well, everyone will have his own favorites. Here are mine. First, public speaking. They both wrote their own speeches and slaved over them. Churchill wrote on 4" x 8" paper, Reagan on 4" x 6" cards. They both practiced their speeches almost to the point of memorization, with the same result: they sounded spontaneous and convincing to their audiences. They both made speeches which changed men's minds. Carter, Johnson, and Nixon were incapable of such a thing. Second, their marriages. Churchill's first marriage, Reagan's second -- both were Total Love Relationships, with absolute loyalty on both sides, the kind of love Walt Disney teaches us to dream about. There are many other fascinating parallels (and non-parallels) between these two great leaders, but I'll leave them for you to discover as you read this VERY stimulating book!

delightful

In between writing what will be a multi-book series Steven Hayward took a break and dashed of this delightful little book. At first it may seem that Reagan and Churchill had nothing in common but Hayward shows that this idea is wrong. Amazingly, Reagan and Churchill had remarkably parralel lives. Churchill was born in a palace but his childhood wasn't a fairy tale. His relationship with his adored father was a painful one that ended abruptly in what many whispered was a shameful death. Reagan was born in modest circumstances and his relationship with his adored father was also painful due to his father's drunkeness. This relationship also ended abruptly by a death that was probably brought on by alcoholism. Both men were devoted to their mothers and both men didn't bloom until they got away from home. Both men botched their early romances but ended up with devoted wives who they were intensely attached too. Both men seemed to be mystified and somewhat distant by their offspring. Both men were seriously underestimated by enemies and their own party colleagues. Both men despite living such hugely public lives were ciphers in private. This book isn't trying to be an exhaustive treatise. It's a quick compare/contrast and is both amusing and eye opening.

The Nobility of Man.

I've been saying for many years now that the only two men of the Twentieth Century who qualify as "eternal heroes" are Ronald Reagan and Sir Winston Churchill. Imagine my glee upon discovering that Steven Hayward has taken the time to compare these two epic figures in his new book, Greatness. What is offered here is a lengthy essay considering just how similar these seemingly dissimilar leaders were. Via the examination of their overlapping attributes, the author is able to illustrate a recipe for what prodigiousness in man is. On the surface, the juxtaposition of Reagan and Churchill does not seem apt, yet the narrator undertakes substantial effort to illustrate just how much they had in common. When we think of Churchill, we immediately think of his monstrous wit and intellect, but, in reality, we should also think the same about the 40th President of the United States. Certainly, he was not a scholar, but Reagan wrote thousands and thousands of pages for radio addresses and columns which kept his name alive during the wilderness years of the late and middle seventies. Reagan's wit and humor was every bit the equal to Churchill's. Both men were mavericks who never allowed their political parties to predetermine their views or actions. These were conservatives occasionally distrusted by their fellow conservatives, but, regardless, they managed to outshine all of their peers. Greatness, albeit it short, manages to convey the spirit of two titans who will be referenced well into the next millennium. It reads very quickly, but what will be best remembered are the quotations detailed within. The words of Reagan and the words of Churchill flower over every page, and, by letting his subjects speak, Hayward has fulfilled his mission. By vanquishing Nazism and communism, the two vanquished the paramount evils of history. Their backgrounds could not have differed more, yet the results could not have been more grand for the people they led and saved. I'd say God Bless Churchill and Reagan, but we know that He already has.

Cannot Deny Greatness

I am a Democrat who voted against Reagan in 1980, but for him in 1984. I'm still a Democrat but I've never seen a leader like him in my lifetime. The comparisons to Churchill are apt. I place FDR in the same light as a leader, even though he and Reagan had very different philosophies as to the role of the government as nanny. As I see it now, Churchill and FDR won WWII. Reagan, with help from the Pope and others, won WWIII - the Cold War. I know that many in my party cannot accept that the GOP holds claim to a man of greatness, but it cannot be denied.

Hayward has done it again

This is a great examination of two superb leaders. Hayward has the ability to combine scholarly depth with a light wit that makes for great reading. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in understand what makes a great leader.