Author Steven F. Hayward explores the striking similarities between two of the world's greatest past leaders: Ronald Reagan and Winston Churchill. Such similarities amount to much more than coincidence. Greatness discusses the politics and the histories of the two remarkable men, comparing Reagan's humble midwestern background and Churchill's preparation for greatness as the son of an affluent family.

Greatness emphasizes the need for four qualities in shaping political greatness: character, insight, imagination, and will. With his own balanced insight, Hayward rebukes the beliefs of contemporary historians who dismiss notions of greatness and the ability of individuals to shape history. Greatness shows how Reagan and Churchill became political giants and powerful leaders, and why we can hope to see such greatness in the future.

Steven F. Hayward is the F. K. Weyerhaeuser Fellow at AEI.