Lyndon Baines Johnson, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Barack Obama, Gordon Brown, Theresa May, and Donald Trump had different motivations, methods, and paths, but they all pursued the highest office. However, when they reached their goal, they often found that the power they had imagined was illusory. Their broad visions for reform became blurred. They faced bureaucratic obstacles, but often the biggest obstacle was their own character.

Nevertheless, their personalities could help them as much as harm them. Quite successful, LBJ showed little indication that he supported what he is best known for — the Civil Rights Act — but his determination, persistence, and political skill allowed him to bend Congress to his will.

David Runciman examines the constraints of high office and how the personal histories of those who achieved the highest positions helped define their successes and failures during their tenures. These portraits show which personalities are most effective in these offices. Could this be a blueprint for good and effective leadership in an era lacking good leaders?