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The Leader's Bookshelf
For the last several years Adm. James Stavridis and his co-author, R. Manning Ancell, have surveyed over two hundred active and retired four-star military officers about their reading habits and favorite books, asking each for a list of titles that strongly influenced their leadership skills and provided them with special insights that helped propel them to success in spite of the many demanding challenges they faced. The Leader's Bookshelf synthesizes their responses to identify the top fifty books that can help virtually anyone become a better leader.Each of the works--novels, memoirs, biographies, autobiographies, management publications--are summarized and the key leadership lessons extracted and presented. Whether individuals work their way through the entire list and read each book cover to cover, or read the summaries provided to determine which appeal to them most, The Leader's Bookshelf will provide a roadmap to better leadership.
Highlighting the value of reading in both a philosophical and a practical sense, The Leader's Bookshelf provides sound advice on how to build an extensive library, lists other books worth reading to improve leadership skills, and analyzes how leaders use what they read to achieve their goals. An efficient way to sample some of literature's greatest works and to determine which ones can help individuals climb the ladder of success, The Leader's Bookshelf is for anyone who wants to improve his or her ability to lead--whether in family life, professional endeavors, or within society and civic organizations.
Highlighting the value of reading in both a philosophical and a practical sense, The Leader's Bookshelf provides sound advice on how to build an extensive library, lists other books worth reading to improve leadership skills, and analyzes how leaders use what they read to achieve their goals. An efficient way to sample some of literature's greatest works and to determine which ones can help individuals climb the ladder of success, The Leader's Bookshelf is for anyone who wants to improve his or her ability to lead--whether in family life, professional endeavors, or within society and civic organizations.
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First published March 15, 2017
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About the author
James G. Stavridis
27 books380 followersA Florida native, Jim Stavridis attended the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, and spent 37 years in the Navy, rising to the rank of 4-star Admiral. Among his many commands were four years as the 16th Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, where he oversaw operations in Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, the Balkans, and counter piracy off the coast of Africa. He also commanded US Southern Command in Miami, charged with military operations through Latin America for nearly three years. He was the longest serving Combatant Commander in recent US history. Following his military career, he served for five years as the 12th Dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
In the course of his career in the Navy, he served as senior military assistant to the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of Defense. He led the Navy’s premier operational think tank for innovation, Deep Blue, immediately after the 9/11 attacks. Admiral Stavridis was promoted directly from 1-star rank to 3-star rank in 2004.
He won the Battenberg Cup for commanding the top ship in the Atlantic Fleet and the Navy League John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational leadership, along with more than 50 US and international medals and decorations, including 28 from foreign nations. He also commanded a Destroyer Squadron and a Carrier Strike Group, both in combat.
In 2016, he was vetted for Vice President by Secretary Hillary Clinton, and subsequently invited to Trump Tower to discuss a cabinet position with President Donald Trump.
He earned a PhD from The Fletcher School at Tufts, winning the Gullion prize as outstanding student in his class in 1983, as well as academic honors from the National and Naval War Colleges as a distinguished student. He speaks Spanish and French.
Admiral Stavridis has published ten books on leadership, the oceans, maritime affairs, and Latin America, as well as hundreds of articles in leading journals. An active user of social networks, he has tens of thousands of connections on the social networks. His TED talk on 21st century security in 2012 has close to one million views. He tweeted the end of combat operations in the Libyan NATO intervention. His two most recent books are “Sailing True North: Ten Admirals and the Voyage of Character” in 2019 and the novel “2034: A Novel of the Next World War” in 2021.
Admiral Stavridis is a monthly columnist for TIME Magazine and Chief International Security and Diplomacy Analyst for NBC News.
He is happily married to Laura, and they have two daughters – one working at Google and the other a Registered Nurse and former naval officer, both married to physicians.
Recent commentary: https://admiralstav.com/news/
In the course of his career in the Navy, he served as senior military assistant to the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of Defense. He led the Navy’s premier operational think tank for innovation, Deep Blue, immediately after the 9/11 attacks. Admiral Stavridis was promoted directly from 1-star rank to 3-star rank in 2004.
He won the Battenberg Cup for commanding the top ship in the Atlantic Fleet and the Navy League John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational leadership, along with more than 50 US and international medals and decorations, including 28 from foreign nations. He also commanded a Destroyer Squadron and a Carrier Strike Group, both in combat.
In 2016, he was vetted for Vice President by Secretary Hillary Clinton, and subsequently invited to Trump Tower to discuss a cabinet position with President Donald Trump.
He earned a PhD from The Fletcher School at Tufts, winning the Gullion prize as outstanding student in his class in 1983, as well as academic honors from the National and Naval War Colleges as a distinguished student. He speaks Spanish and French.
Admiral Stavridis has published ten books on leadership, the oceans, maritime affairs, and Latin America, as well as hundreds of articles in leading journals. An active user of social networks, he has tens of thousands of connections on the social networks. His TED talk on 21st century security in 2012 has close to one million views. He tweeted the end of combat operations in the Libyan NATO intervention. His two most recent books are “Sailing True North: Ten Admirals and the Voyage of Character” in 2019 and the novel “2034: A Novel of the Next World War” in 2021.
Admiral Stavridis is a monthly columnist for TIME Magazine and Chief International Security and Diplomacy Analyst for NBC News.
He is happily married to Laura, and they have two daughters – one working at Google and the other a Registered Nurse and former naval officer, both married to physicians.
Recent commentary: https://admiralstav.com/news/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
June 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this book in many ways. It was really well written and had some very interesting and valuable ideas. As an avid reader, I especially like the parts of the book that really emphasized the value of reading as a 'force multiplier' to a leader. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is the middle chapter that listed all the books got a little dry and repetitive, and I understand this is not the necessarily the authors fault, because this is ultimately a survey of impactful books to military leaders, but there is a lack of diversity in the list. The 50 books are very heavily weighted toward military books, there are a few like To Kill a Mockingbird that are outside the lines, but overall this is very heavily weighted toward military biographies and military novels and lack an amount of well-roundedness I look for in my leadership reading.
July 6, 2018
One of the best books I’ve read this year! Stavridis and Ancell show us not only a great list of books for professional to read, but includes a template for 50 of them including the officer who recommended them, why/how it spoke to them, a few quotes, a short synopsis, and some of the leadership lessons. Additionally, there are exceptional chapters detailing how to read a book, what to get out of it, build by a personal library, the importance of both reading and writing for a leader—and much much more. Itself, the book is an exemplar of demonstrated leadership and a treat for any reader and leader looking to continuously improve him/herself as a leader!
November 24, 2018
Stavridis and Ancell interviewed hundreds of military leaders to ask them what was on their bookshelves. And what lessons about leadership they had learned from their favorite books.
Why I started this book: I enjoyed Admiral Stavridis's other books and was excited to learn about his favorite books.
Why I finished it: Most of the the recommended books are already on the various military reading lists... but it was fascinating to read the lessons that had been learned and how these books effected the 4 star generals and admirals. Plus it was a beautiful reminder of the power of reading and of books.
Why I started this book: I enjoyed Admiral Stavridis's other books and was excited to learn about his favorite books.
Why I finished it: Most of the the recommended books are already on the various military reading lists... but it was fascinating to read the lessons that had been learned and how these books effected the 4 star generals and admirals. Plus it was a beautiful reminder of the power of reading and of books.
May 25, 2017
In an effort to begin my journey reading, writing, thinking, and publishing, some insight on this book from a young military officer.
This book is foundational and relevant to service members, young leaders, and people in all walks of life. My takeaways and recommendations for others are simple. First, once you begin to view yourself as a professional, take charge of your own level of knowledge. Do not delegate your learning to someone or something else, but rather engage your mind in reading, thinking, and writing. Reading for exposure, thinking for new ideas, and writing for the synthesis of knowledge to the most important points. Second, understand that to function in life you must learn from your own mistakes, however, you can be much more successful by learning from the lessons and mistakes of others. There is no more efficient avenue for this than reading. Mentoring is important in every area of life and through reading, you can be mentored by the great minds who have enjoyed the excitement of life before you.
In conclusion, get a copy of this book ASAP and begin your journey. Thank you to ADM Stavridis and Mr. Ancell for providing such a useful, concise, and enlightening resource.
This book is foundational and relevant to service members, young leaders, and people in all walks of life. My takeaways and recommendations for others are simple. First, once you begin to view yourself as a professional, take charge of your own level of knowledge. Do not delegate your learning to someone or something else, but rather engage your mind in reading, thinking, and writing. Reading for exposure, thinking for new ideas, and writing for the synthesis of knowledge to the most important points. Second, understand that to function in life you must learn from your own mistakes, however, you can be much more successful by learning from the lessons and mistakes of others. There is no more efficient avenue for this than reading. Mentoring is important in every area of life and through reading, you can be mentored by the great minds who have enjoyed the excitement of life before you.
In conclusion, get a copy of this book ASAP and begin your journey. Thank you to ADM Stavridis and Mr. Ancell for providing such a useful, concise, and enlightening resource.
October 8, 2019
Surprisingly insightful and it's more than just a summary of the top recommended books from across all Military Branches from General Officers to Company Grade. Admiral (R) James Stavridis breaks down the why each recommendation is relevant and how crucial reading books are to any leader no matter how much time they spend on it each day. The heart and soul of leadership seems to pivot on decisiveness which is only made easier if one is exposed to the countless lessons by those who have already gone before and experienced similar situations and challenges. Garner as much wisdom from the failures and successes of the past so the way forward doesn't seem so opaque.
What really won me over on this book though was that the author tosses in at the end other leadership habits he deems crucial. Namely, that the second half of deep reading is writing, that to bring clarity to ones ideas they must be expressed and open to feedback. Many cower from the vulnerability they feel when they write opening themselves and their ideas to criticism, but the author states this is necessary to sharpen and hone them. This impacted me and made me realize I need to do the same and start submitting articles for publication in professional journals.
I fully intend to read through this entire list. I'm already half way there but many I never heard of until I read his list.
What really won me over on this book though was that the author tosses in at the end other leadership habits he deems crucial. Namely, that the second half of deep reading is writing, that to bring clarity to ones ideas they must be expressed and open to feedback. Many cower from the vulnerability they feel when they write opening themselves and their ideas to criticism, but the author states this is necessary to sharpen and hone them. This impacted me and made me realize I need to do the same and start submitting articles for publication in professional journals.
I fully intend to read through this entire list. I'm already half way there but many I never heard of until I read his list.
March 30, 2021
More of a reading list than a book, I did relate to Stavridis and Ancell’s appreciation for reading. I admire people like Patton and Mattis who seem to read like their lives depend on it, and take copious notes on everything they touch. This book was double edged in that it made me feel terribly unprepared and behind regarding how many worthy books are out there; however it also feels reassuring, knowing everyone else is in a rat race to digest all those books as well.
March 12, 2021
If you read this, get your wallet out. You will want to add or buy about thirty more books based on these recommendations. The great part of this list is that it's not books on leadership but books that have leadership principles in them naturally.
May 19, 2020
James G. Stavridis rose up through the ranks of the US Navy and is a former Supreme Allied Commander at NATO. He and his co-worker spent several years asking over 200 active and retired military leaders about their favorite books. In The Leader's Bookshelf, the resultant books are ranked by most popular amongst the leaders. The book also contains additional reading list and recommendations on how leaders can benefit from reading.
The resultant list includes an analysis of each book including a summary and what lessons it contains about leadership. The list, as one would expect, is mostly made up of military history non-fiction, but there a handful of general non-fiction works and even some fiction.
I have never been in the military but I have been in several leadership positions over the course of my career. I am always looking to improve my skill set. And frankly, I can resist book lists. I was pleased to discover that I'd already read a few books on this list and I added some more to my to-read list. So, I got something out of it despite not being in a role as a military leader. I recommend this book to anyone who is in a leadership role or looking to be in a leadership role.
Of the books listed, I've read:
The Art of War
Ender’s Game
To Kill a Mockingbird
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The resultant list includes an analysis of each book including a summary and what lessons it contains about leadership. The list, as one would expect, is mostly made up of military history non-fiction, but there a handful of general non-fiction works and even some fiction.
I have never been in the military but I have been in several leadership positions over the course of my career. I am always looking to improve my skill set. And frankly, I can resist book lists. I was pleased to discover that I'd already read a few books on this list and I added some more to my to-read list. So, I got something out of it despite not being in a role as a military leader. I recommend this book to anyone who is in a leadership role or looking to be in a leadership role.
Of the books listed, I've read:
The Art of War
Ender’s Game
To Kill a Mockingbird
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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March 26, 2025I read this because it's on a leadership reading list at the college where I work. Kinda sneaky to work in a list of 50 books as one entry in the list!
This is essentially an annotated bibliography. The authors interviewed @200 senior military leaders about what leadership books they recommend. They took the 50 most recommended and had one of the leaders write a blurb, then wrote about the writer, the book, and what leadership lessons could be gleaned. A decent approach.
The list skews a little conservative, but on the whole, the book is quite helpful. I won't be reading every book on the list, but I will be reading several of them at least.
Any book that argues forcefully that people in leadership positions should inform themselves about the situations they're going into can't be all bad. And it ends on a couple of poems which goes some distance with me. The "what did we glean from the overall project" chapter is particularly helpful.
Recommended, if it sounds interesting to you!
This is essentially an annotated bibliography. The authors interviewed @200 senior military leaders about what leadership books they recommend. They took the 50 most recommended and had one of the leaders write a blurb, then wrote about the writer, the book, and what leadership lessons could be gleaned. A decent approach.
The list skews a little conservative, but on the whole, the book is quite helpful. I won't be reading every book on the list, but I will be reading several of them at least.
Any book that argues forcefully that people in leadership positions should inform themselves about the situations they're going into can't be all bad. And it ends on a couple of poems which goes some distance with me. The "what did we glean from the overall project" chapter is particularly helpful.
Recommended, if it sounds interesting to you!
December 23, 2017
Frankly, only a few books caught my eye. Ike, Marshall, Shaara
Wondering what this collection of books, culled from interviews with past senior military leaders, speaks about military leadership. After some thoughts, these top fifty books are a collection of stories - historical, fictional, even biblical. Is it a reflection of how these senior leaders are learning (through stories)? Or is it a reflection of the topic (human choices)?
Wondering what this collection of books, culled from interviews with past senior military leaders, speaks about military leadership. After some thoughts, these top fifty books are a collection of stories - historical, fictional, even biblical. Is it a reflection of how these senior leaders are learning (through stories)? Or is it a reflection of the topic (human choices)?
July 9, 2020
I tried so hard to get through this, really I did. This quote (yes, summarizing a book, but still their writing) was the last straw: “I personally think the Southern generals are better developed ... had he [Jackson] not been mortally wounded ... who knows what he and Lee might have been capable of accomplishing.” I mean... what... 🤦🏻♀️ I usually love books about books but this is a very rare DNF.
March 7, 2021
Probably better in print, to reference as you build a library/reading list.
Good analysis of reading lists from senior officers and junior officers. Includes tips for making your own reading plan. It personally did not add that much new to my reading list. Would have been nice to emphasize reading what interests you instead of trying to muscle through what you think you're supposed to read.
Good analysis of reading lists from senior officers and junior officers. Includes tips for making your own reading plan. It personally did not add that much new to my reading list. Would have been nice to emphasize reading what interests you instead of trying to muscle through what you think you're supposed to read.
September 16, 2021
Stavridis provides a solid, yet obvious list of leadership reading. I wish there had been some risk taken in the selection of books and more recent books included. Stavridis is passionate about reading and I applaud his desire to encourage professional reading habits for the development and refinement of leadership capabilities. In my humble opinion, the descriptions and commentary of the books work against this providing what amounts to a cliff notes version of each book, rather than unique insights or analysis. I hope this wets the appetite of some readers to go deeper and read the books on this list, rather than to rely on these summaries. For me, “The Leader’s Library” felt unnecessary and it’s intent could have been satisfied in a much shorter article or list, rather than a 288 page book.
I’ve read many of the books on this list and I highly recommend most of them. A list of these books can be found in Goodreads at the link below:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show 120258.The_Leader_s_Bookshelf
I’ve read many of the books on this list and I highly recommend most of them. A list of these books can be found in Goodreads at the link below:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show 120258.The_Leader_s_Bookshelf
January 4, 2024
I would have liked to see a deeper breakdown of each of the books, which could have meant that the book could have focused on 25 books instead of 50. I do like the fact that the author wrote about the person who suggested the book as well. As the author of the book and information about the book itself.
An updated review will be posted.
An updated review will be posted.
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October 3, 2019It reads like a long blogpost on a reading list, but the best one there is. Not only 4star General officers, but also some junior officers give their favourite books. I'll refrain from giving any stars, until I can evaluatie their recommendations
March 18, 2025
Good list of books to read.
June 19, 2025
This sat on my nightstand and I picked it up periodically to see what America's best leaders had to say about their favorite books. I love the format- digestible in small bites as opportunities present themself. The leadership lessons are often simple, almost common-sense, but the anecdotes and histories really make this little volume a pleasure to visit.
Highlight of the book? A rambling Jim Mattis rapid-fires some of his favorite books including Nate Fick's One Bullet Away and Ron Chernow's Hamilton. Delightful.
Highlight of the book? A rambling Jim Mattis rapid-fires some of his favorite books including Nate Fick's One Bullet Away and Ron Chernow's Hamilton. Delightful.
May 19, 2021
A really interesting book on how and what to read as a leader, and the book succeeds most in the chapters that discuss the how aspect more. While the list of books and takeaways from them is certainly helpful to reading the right material, that long section seemed to drag on as you go from book to book, granted if you have the paper copy, it’d be easy to bounce between the offerings. The invaluable sections are the ones where the authors talk about their reading habits, consumption of books, and what it means to read as a leader- and how it is woven into other activities. The section discussing Patton and Mattis’ libraries was a cool add on, and an example of what right looks like. This is definitely a book leaders should read while keeping in mind it’s ok to weave in and out of the reading list section.
September 16, 2022
Inspirerende, godt strukturert, bra fokus på hva de omtalte bøkene (50 stk) har å by på.
Litt mange biografier, litt få rene ledelsesbøker (for det finnes noen gode av dem). Vel verdt tiden
Litt mange biografier, litt få rene ledelsesbøker (for det finnes noen gode av dem). Vel verdt tiden
June 28, 2017
A book about great books and reading topics for lovers of all things books. The ultimate reading list for those accustomed to encountering military reading lists, from our nation's elite warrior-thinkers. The main body of the book is composed of a fifty-title list of books recommended by one or more of Admiral Stavridis's four-star military contemporaries. I appreciated these leaders' insights into their reading and educational careers to start each entry, which are followed by a chosen quote from the book, brief bio information on the author, a short summary of the book, and the most valuable part, a brief summary of leadership lessons drawn from the work. Structured as such, it's as enjoyable as watching a run of summer blockbuster movie previews, like getting 50 books for the price of one.
Bookending the main body of text are several short chapters that touch on the importance and benefits of reading from several different angles, from "reading and leading" to building a personal library, what younger readers are reading, writing and publishing, and more. There's also much to be gained in these chapters from some of the finest minds leading our country today.
This is a great book for anyone interested in history, warfare, military science, self improvement, leadership and/or scholarship. Well done Messrs Stavridis and Ancell, and highly recommended.
Bookending the main body of text are several short chapters that touch on the importance and benefits of reading from several different angles, from "reading and leading" to building a personal library, what younger readers are reading, writing and publishing, and more. There's also much to be gained in these chapters from some of the finest minds leading our country today.
This is a great book for anyone interested in history, warfare, military science, self improvement, leadership and/or scholarship. Well done Messrs Stavridis and Ancell, and highly recommended.
February 28, 2021
Read books!
This is a great start!
Many factual errors as noted below. I wonder how many I missed.
Needs an index!
p. 9: Robert Nolan's Great Decisions series
p. 41: Factual Error: "Napoleon had escaped from his exile on the island of Elba the previous year and returned to retake his crown in France."
p. 135: The Mask of Command
p. 54: "Guide to the Reading of On War" by Bernard Brodie
p. 57: #10 - NimitzNimitz by E.B. Potter
p. 68: Factual Error: "At his death, former president Richard Nixon said...." Nixon was the president then.
p. 69: "Several themes run through the book and are germane to leadership. The first is the idea that planning matters deeply.... Good leaders are good planners, but they are not tied to their plan as though it were an anchor -- leaders know that no plan will survive contact with the enemy fully intact."
p. 95: Great Contemporaries: Essays and Other Works
p. 99: #21 - Hell in a Very Small Place: The Siege of Dien Bien Phu
p. 100: Street Without Joy: The French Debacle in Indochina
p. 109: #23 - Gates of Fire
p. 127: "Prior Preparation Prevents Particularly Poor Performance"
p. 128: Factual Error: "The nine principles above are the simplest and most direct recitation of leadership itself in all of the forty books on this list." | There are 50 books on this list.
p. 129: #28 - This Kind of War: A Study in Unpreparedness
p. 140: #31 - A Peace to End All Peace: The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and The Creation of the Modern Middle East
p. 146: #33 - Balkan Ghosts: A Journey Through History
p. 160: Factual Error: "a budget in excess of $70 million" | That number is way too low
p. 166: Factual Error: "William Leckie was born in 1889 in Runge, Texas." | He was born in 1915.
p. 177: Robert E. Lee: "What a cruel thing is war; to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbours, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world."
p. 179: #42 - Patton: Ordeal and Triumph
p. 182: #43 - Goodbye, Darkness: A Memoir of the Pacific War
p. 185: With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa
p. 228: The Centurions
p. 228: Master and Commander
p. 231: The Rules of the Game: Jutland and British Naval Command
p. 232: Factual Error: "thirteenth-century work" | The Art of War is from the 6th century BC
p. 236: Factual Error: COBAL | It is COBOL.
p. 243: Stonewall Jackson and the American Civil War
p. 247: Sherman: Soldier, Realist, American
p. 247: Scipio Africanus: Greater than Napoleon
p. 248: The Rules of the Game: Jutland and British Naval Command
p. 249: "What matters is that it is your library, invested with your intellectual capital, and serves as a garden of the mind to which you can return again and again.
This is a great start!
Many factual errors as noted below. I wonder how many I missed.
Needs an index!
p. 9: Robert Nolan's Great Decisions series
p. 41: Factual Error: "Napoleon had escaped from his exile on the island of Elba the previous year and returned to retake his crown in France."
p. 135: The Mask of Command
p. 54: "Guide to the Reading of On War" by Bernard Brodie
p. 57: #10 - NimitzNimitz by E.B. Potter
p. 68: Factual Error: "At his death, former president Richard Nixon said...." Nixon was the president then.
p. 69: "Several themes run through the book and are germane to leadership. The first is the idea that planning matters deeply.... Good leaders are good planners, but they are not tied to their plan as though it were an anchor -- leaders know that no plan will survive contact with the enemy fully intact."
p. 95: Great Contemporaries: Essays and Other Works
p. 99: #21 - Hell in a Very Small Place: The Siege of Dien Bien Phu
p. 100: Street Without Joy: The French Debacle in Indochina
p. 109: #23 - Gates of Fire
p. 127: "Prior Preparation Prevents Particularly Poor Performance"
p. 128: Factual Error: "The nine principles above are the simplest and most direct recitation of leadership itself in all of the forty books on this list." | There are 50 books on this list.
p. 129: #28 - This Kind of War: A Study in Unpreparedness
p. 140: #31 - A Peace to End All Peace: The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and The Creation of the Modern Middle East
p. 146: #33 - Balkan Ghosts: A Journey Through History
p. 160: Factual Error: "a budget in excess of $70 million" | That number is way too low
p. 166: Factual Error: "William Leckie was born in 1889 in Runge, Texas." | He was born in 1915.
p. 177: Robert E. Lee: "What a cruel thing is war; to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbours, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world."
p. 179: #42 - Patton: Ordeal and Triumph
p. 182: #43 - Goodbye, Darkness: A Memoir of the Pacific War
p. 185: With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa
p. 228: The Centurions
p. 228: Master and Commander
p. 231: The Rules of the Game: Jutland and British Naval Command
p. 232: Factual Error: "thirteenth-century work" | The Art of War is from the 6th century BC
p. 236: Factual Error: COBAL | It is COBOL.
p. 243: Stonewall Jackson and the American Civil War
p. 247: Sherman: Soldier, Realist, American
p. 247: Scipio Africanus: Greater than Napoleon
p. 248: The Rules of the Game: Jutland and British Naval Command
p. 249: "What matters is that it is your library, invested with your intellectual capital, and serves as a garden of the mind to which you can return again and again.
July 2, 2022
I wanted to like this book. The premise is simple and straightforward: a group of accomplished individuals suggest books that influenced them. Summaries, personal notes. What's not to like. I'll tell you: diversity. The military has made great strides to ensure that their leadership reflects the demographics of America. However, this book doesn't reflect that variety. White male leaders suggest "mostly" books about other white male leaders. Sure, there is Tsun Szu, The Bible, and To Kill a Mockingbird suggested, but those hardly refelct the varied personalities, cultures, and rise to success of most American leaders. Suggestion: there are other 4-star military leaders: Women, Asians, African Americans, Ask them about their book suggestions.
July 10, 2017
Easy and enjoyable read as a collection of short synopses of recommended books by senior U.S. military leaders. Nice insight to the books and why the U.S. officers recommended them. Highly recommended to anyone looking to grow their leadership library.
April 2, 2017
An absolute must for an military leader who loves to read or wants to be inspired to read more. Admiral Stavridis interviews over 200 admirals/generals to develop a list of the 50 most essential leadership books. He also discusses the importance of reading and cultivating one's own library.
July 27, 2018
A book about books! You know me so well!
I added upwards of 14 books to my reading list based on the summaries presented here. It's certainly military focused, but the leadership lessons are applicable throughout life. Looking forward to delving into some of the suggested titles.
I added upwards of 14 books to my reading list based on the summaries presented here. It's certainly military focused, but the leadership lessons are applicable throughout life. Looking forward to delving into some of the suggested titles.
July 12, 2025
Title: The Leader's Bookshelf by Adm. James G. Stavridis & R. Manning Ancell
Summary:
The Leader’s Bookshelf is a unique and insightful guide that explores the connection between leadership and reading. Drawing from in-depth interviews with more than 200 senior military officers and national security professionals, the authors compile a list of 50 essential books that have shaped effective leaders throughout history. Each recommended title is accompanied by a summary and commentary on why it matters for leadership development.
Review:
The Leader’s Bookshelf is a compelling exploration of the intersection between leadership and literature. Drawing from interviews with more than 200 senior military officers and national security leaders, the authors compile a curated list of fifty influential books that have shaped some of the most effective leaders in service. At its core, this work champions reading as a “force multiplier”, a concept that will resonate deeply with any reader committed to self-improvement and lifelong learning.
What sets this book apart is not just the diversity of titles covered, ranging from The Foundation to Starship Troopers, but the reasoning behind each recommendation. Each entry is supported by reflections on how the book shaped the thinking or behavior of seasoned leaders. This gives the work not only a practical but also a philosophical dimension: leadership, the authors argue, is in part the product of intellectual humility and a willingness to learn from the past.
One of the standout themes is the idea that decisiveness, the lifeblood of effective leadership, is made possible through exposure to others’ experiences. Whether in fiction or non-fiction, the narratives of trial, error, success, and failure provide a reservoir of wisdom. In this sense, the bookshelf becomes a training ground for the mind, and the authors make a compelling case for why every aspiring leader should read widely and intentionally.
But perhaps the most valuable part of the book comes near the end, when Stavridis pivots from reading to writing. He emphasizes that true comprehension and clarity of thought come not just from consuming information but from expressing it. Writing, he argues, is a vulnerable yet essential act of leadership, one that invites criticism but ultimately sharpens insight. This struck a personal chord, a reminder that to grow as a thinker, one must risk exposure. His encouragement to submit articles and engage in professional dialogue is both motivating and timely.
The only drawbacks lie in a somewhat limited diversity of perspectives and the inclusion of some titles that may feel less relevant or impactful to certain readers. As someone already familiar with a few of the books listed, I found myself wishing for more unconventional or globally diverse selections. Still, this is more of a personal wish than a fundamental flaw.
Conclusion and Rating:
The Leader’s Bookshelf is a thoughtful, well-structured, and inspiring read. It’s a valuable guide for those aspiring to lead in the military or beyond and a passionate argument for the power of books to shape strong, reflective minds. While it doesn't quite reach perfection due to occasional narrowness in scope, its core message is profound: great leaders are also great readers and, perhaps more importantly, great writers. For that it deserves a clean 4/5.
Summary:
The Leader’s Bookshelf is a unique and insightful guide that explores the connection between leadership and reading. Drawing from in-depth interviews with more than 200 senior military officers and national security professionals, the authors compile a list of 50 essential books that have shaped effective leaders throughout history. Each recommended title is accompanied by a summary and commentary on why it matters for leadership development.
Review:
The Leader’s Bookshelf is a compelling exploration of the intersection between leadership and literature. Drawing from interviews with more than 200 senior military officers and national security leaders, the authors compile a curated list of fifty influential books that have shaped some of the most effective leaders in service. At its core, this work champions reading as a “force multiplier”, a concept that will resonate deeply with any reader committed to self-improvement and lifelong learning.
What sets this book apart is not just the diversity of titles covered, ranging from The Foundation to Starship Troopers, but the reasoning behind each recommendation. Each entry is supported by reflections on how the book shaped the thinking or behavior of seasoned leaders. This gives the work not only a practical but also a philosophical dimension: leadership, the authors argue, is in part the product of intellectual humility and a willingness to learn from the past.
One of the standout themes is the idea that decisiveness, the lifeblood of effective leadership, is made possible through exposure to others’ experiences. Whether in fiction or non-fiction, the narratives of trial, error, success, and failure provide a reservoir of wisdom. In this sense, the bookshelf becomes a training ground for the mind, and the authors make a compelling case for why every aspiring leader should read widely and intentionally.
But perhaps the most valuable part of the book comes near the end, when Stavridis pivots from reading to writing. He emphasizes that true comprehension and clarity of thought come not just from consuming information but from expressing it. Writing, he argues, is a vulnerable yet essential act of leadership, one that invites criticism but ultimately sharpens insight. This struck a personal chord, a reminder that to grow as a thinker, one must risk exposure. His encouragement to submit articles and engage in professional dialogue is both motivating and timely.
The only drawbacks lie in a somewhat limited diversity of perspectives and the inclusion of some titles that may feel less relevant or impactful to certain readers. As someone already familiar with a few of the books listed, I found myself wishing for more unconventional or globally diverse selections. Still, this is more of a personal wish than a fundamental flaw.
Conclusion and Rating:
The Leader’s Bookshelf is a thoughtful, well-structured, and inspiring read. It’s a valuable guide for those aspiring to lead in the military or beyond and a passionate argument for the power of books to shape strong, reflective minds. While it doesn't quite reach perfection due to occasional narrowness in scope, its core message is profound: great leaders are also great readers and, perhaps more importantly, great writers. For that it deserves a clean 4/5.
December 11, 2021
According to Admiral Stavridis, “Reading is a good way to improve our leadership skills.” His book, The Leader’s Bookshelf, goes in-depth in the study of the best leadership books to read with inputs from over 200 generals and admirals across the services on which books mattered or made a difference to them. The book is a quick way to learn about several larger volumes or works before jumping in. It also breaks down what different senior leaders gleaned from their reading. It’s an easy read and a great way to find new books you haven’t considered before.
The Leader’s Bookshelf by Adm. James Stavridis
The top recommended books: Killer Angels, Once an Eagle, Team of Rivals, and the Art of War
“Good leaders must be good communicators, and the hard work of writing is best sharpened on the whetstone of reading.”
“very important as you read to lead, talk to others about the book you are reading. The more conversations you can have with others about the book itself, the leadership lessons you think you are learning from it or the life experiences of a more senior leader that relate to the content of the book, the better.”
“The key lessons for leaders from Killer Angels are to delegate, to trust and have confidence in the team,”
“That’s the whole challenge of life – to act with honor and hope and generosity, no matter what you’ve drawn”
“A high-performing organization is one that does routine things in an outstanding manner”
“The book [We were soldiers once] also emphasizes the need for the leader to reflect on what is happening and constantly ask himself or herself: what is happening? what is not happening? And what can I do about it?”
“a leader’s first and most important task is to bring order out of chaos”
“a leader is a dealer in hope”
The Leader’s Bookshelf by Adm. James Stavridis
The top recommended books: Killer Angels, Once an Eagle, Team of Rivals, and the Art of War
“Good leaders must be good communicators, and the hard work of writing is best sharpened on the whetstone of reading.”
“very important as you read to lead, talk to others about the book you are reading. The more conversations you can have with others about the book itself, the leadership lessons you think you are learning from it or the life experiences of a more senior leader that relate to the content of the book, the better.”
“The key lessons for leaders from Killer Angels are to delegate, to trust and have confidence in the team,”
“That’s the whole challenge of life – to act with honor and hope and generosity, no matter what you’ve drawn”
“A high-performing organization is one that does routine things in an outstanding manner”
“The book [We were soldiers once] also emphasizes the need for the leader to reflect on what is happening and constantly ask himself or herself: what is happening? what is not happening? And what can I do about it?”
“a leader’s first and most important task is to bring order out of chaos”
“a leader is a dealer in hope”
November 30, 2020
This is one of the better books I've read this year. Glad I finally tracked down the lone copy in my library network. It was as good a read as I hoped it would be. Believe I will be giving a copy to my teen-aged son as an Xmas present.
Great, concise volume on the characteristics of an effective leader. It does so by identifying other books to read and digest as way to develop your knowledge about leadership and the skills required from an effective leader.
Wish I had read a book like this in my formative years, before I settled into my current career - one without any significant leadership responsibility.
I feel somewhat comforted that I have read many of the non-fiction books on Admiral Stavridis' list and have kept them as part of my library.
Highly recommend this book to the younger set, just coming into their own personally, professionally and psychologically. The brief descriptions of the leadership lessons from the highlighted books are more valuable than most of the leadership/management books I have read in my 40+ years as an "adult".
There are a lot of life lessons revealed in this book, beyond just those about effective leadership. This is a riveting, thought-provoking and curiosity-inducing book that encourages you to build a giant personal library and read more books! What more could a bibliophile want?
Great, concise volume on the characteristics of an effective leader. It does so by identifying other books to read and digest as way to develop your knowledge about leadership and the skills required from an effective leader.
Wish I had read a book like this in my formative years, before I settled into my current career - one without any significant leadership responsibility.
I feel somewhat comforted that I have read many of the non-fiction books on Admiral Stavridis' list and have kept them as part of my library.
Highly recommend this book to the younger set, just coming into their own personally, professionally and psychologically. The brief descriptions of the leadership lessons from the highlighted books are more valuable than most of the leadership/management books I have read in my 40+ years as an "adult".
There are a lot of life lessons revealed in this book, beyond just those about effective leadership. This is a riveting, thought-provoking and curiosity-inducing book that encourages you to build a giant personal library and read more books! What more could a bibliophile want?
June 28, 2017
"The Leader's Bookshelf" is a fantastic book for people like me. Adm. Stavridis and Lt Cdr Ancell have collected a goldmine of knowledge and book recommendations, condensed into a 266 page book that covers all aspects of leadership! I really like how they let the senior military officers share in their own words why a certain book deeply affected them, or challenged them or molded them into the leaders they are today. Appreciated the short biography of each book's author and also a summary of the book followed by the ""Leadership Lessons Summarized" for quick takeaways (or for books you may not get to). I have read a couple books in the "Top 50" and have flagged a couple more to read in the near future. It would have been handy to include a URL to a website or wishlist where all 50 titles could be purchased easily from a favorite retailer. The additional chapters on reading lists, writing well and building a person library are icing on the cake. My book is highlighted throughout and will re-open frequently to review the leadership qualities nicely summarized.
March 1, 2020
A first-class military reading list for those looking for structure.
The author polls hundreds of retired FO/GOs to determine which books made the most impact on their lives/careers. As a result, the book provides a descending order of the 50 most mentioned titles. Each book receives a FO/GO nominee bio, author bio, book description, and finally, key lessons learned.
After the book descriptions, the two authors (one being ADM (r) James Stavridis) offer a chapter on the professional need to write. In addition, the authors canvas several hundred junior officers to determine commonly recommended books - only 10% overlapped with the seniors. Finally, discuss the idea of a personal library - how to collect, what types, and how do tastes change to match contemporary problems. The libraries of GEN Patton and SecDef Mattis - two voracious reader leaders - are used to as illustrative examples.
Highly recommend reading for the military officer looking to provide structure to lifelong pursuit of self-study in the profession of arms.
The author polls hundreds of retired FO/GOs to determine which books made the most impact on their lives/careers. As a result, the book provides a descending order of the 50 most mentioned titles. Each book receives a FO/GO nominee bio, author bio, book description, and finally, key lessons learned.
After the book descriptions, the two authors (one being ADM (r) James Stavridis) offer a chapter on the professional need to write. In addition, the authors canvas several hundred junior officers to determine commonly recommended books - only 10% overlapped with the seniors. Finally, discuss the idea of a personal library - how to collect, what types, and how do tastes change to match contemporary problems. The libraries of GEN Patton and SecDef Mattis - two voracious reader leaders - are used to as illustrative examples.
Highly recommend reading for the military officer looking to provide structure to lifelong pursuit of self-study in the profession of arms.
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