James MacGregor Burns Books

A political biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

A premier leadership scholar and an eighteenth-century expert define the special contributions and qualifications of our first presidentRevolutionary hero, founding president, and first citizen of the young republic, George Washington was the most illustrious public man of his time, a man whose image today is the result of the careful grooming of his public persona to include the themes of character, self-sacrifice, and destiny.As Washington sought to interpret the Constitution's assignment of powers to the executive branch and to establish precedent for future leaders, he relied on his key advisers and looked to form consensus as the guiding principle of government. His is a legacy of a successful experiment in collective leadership, great initiatives in establishing a strong executive branch, and the formulation of innovative and lasting economic and foreign policies. James MacGregor Burns and Susan Dunn also trace the arc of Washington's increasing dissatisfaction with public life and the seeds of dissent and political parties that, ironically, grew from his insistence on consensus. In this compelling and balanced biography, Burns and Dunn give us a rich portrait of the man behind the carefully crafted mythology.

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian James MacGregor Burns has 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.

Focusing on the intertwined lives of Theodore, Franklin, and Eleanor Roosevelt, this biography explores their emergence from New York's elite to become a pivotal political family in the 20th century. The authors highlight how Theodore's dynamic leadership influenced Franklin and Eleanor, shaping a progressive political legacy during America's turbulent times. Through their actions and passions, readers gain insight into the Roosevelts' impact on history and politics, presenting a complex portrait of three influential leaders whose legacies remain significant today.

The award-winning historian critically examines the role of leadership in the twenty-first century, outlining a program through which leaders can become agents of positive social change.