When Illness Strikes the Leader: The Dilemma of the Captive King [Paperback]

Professor Robert S. Robins (Author), Dr. Jerrold Post M.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 22, 1995

Illness and instability in high office have often shaped the course of world events. Drawing on examples from around the world - including George III, Adolf Hitler and Ronald Reagan - this book aims to reveal how mortal illness can affect a leader's decisions and judgement.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The mental and physical health of world leaders are critical issues that are only beginning to receive serious public attention. All too frequently, leaders remain in power despite health problems that may diminish their capacity to govern. Cover-ups for incapacitated leaders have long been the rule for a variety of reasons, including the real and perceived importance of an existing leader, the workings of the inner court to limit damage control, and the fear of change if a new leader comes to power. Psychiatrist Post and political scientist Robins present numerous fascinating examples of how such diverse leaders as Winston Churchill, the Shah of Iran, Menachem Begin, the recent Soviet gerontocracy, Mao and Deng, and several American presidents have been so affected by health problems that they became dangers to their nations. Although cases of the American presidents are more thoroughly discussed in Robert Gilbert's excellent The Mortal Presidency ( LJ 11/15/92), this work is highly recommended for subject collections and large public libraries because of its readability, emphasis on non-American leaders, and analysis of health issues specifically applied to leadership settings.
- Karl He licher, Upper Merion Twp. Lib., King of Prussia, Pa.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (February 22, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300063148
• ISBN-13: 978-0300063141
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #941,918 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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