Political leadership : stories of power and politics from literature and life / selected by Robert Coles with Ryan Smerek.

"Modern Library paperback original."

Political stories from the past -- Accounts that connect with twentieth-century politics -- Comments on and by American political leaders -- Psychoanalysis and political leadership.

"From ancient times to the present day, here are indispensable insights on political power and leadership as expressed in the novels, plays, and poetry of the world's greatest artists and intellectuals.

Adapted from a course taught at Harvard by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Robert Coles, Political Leadership features scenes, stories, and speeches that pierce to the core of how and why some lead and others follow."--BOOK JACKET.