This collective biography on twelve world-class leaders provides timeless principles on how families, as well as educational, civic, religious, and military organizations, can facilitate the development of exemplary leaders. The biographies and autobiographies of great leaders reveal the importance of an involved parent, happy childhood, plethora of "apprenticeships," rich formal and informal education, a steady stream of prodigious patrons, gracious critics, and a favorable fate.

In addition to biographical data, this study synthesizes the various trends in leadership studies to develop a comprehensive model. A coherent theory on leadership has been elusive because scholars have focused on specific parts of leadership without recognition of the whole. The biographical data and synthesis of various leadership theories demonstrates that leaders share similar story lines in their development. The seven identified influences and the three stages of leadership development outlined in the book illustrate themes necessary for true leadership qualities to emerge within an individual. This book is intended for anyone interested in developing exceptional leaders.