1. Introduction: The Romance of Heroism 2. Mystery and Meaning: Ambiguity and the Perception of Leaders, Heroes and Villains 3. Three Kings: Dissent and Evolving Perceptions of Heroism 4. Heroic Transforming Leadership: Touching the Better Angels of Our Nature 5. How Heroes Transform Themselves and The World 6. Conclusion: Resolving Ambiguity to Discern and Create True Heroes

George R. Goethals holds the E. Claiborne Robins Distinguished Professorship in Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond. His research focuses on heroes and presidential leadership and is author of Realignment, Region and Race: Presidential Leadership and Social Identity (2018). Scott T. Allison is Professor of Psychology at the University of Richmond where he has published extensively on heroism and leadership. His other books include Heroes, Heroic Leadership, Reel Heroes & Villains, Conceptions of Leadership, and Frontiers in Spiritual Leadership.

Heroes permeate our culture. But what makes a hero? And what makes heroes 'heroic'? This exciting and innovative study explores how charisma and human needs create images of individuals as heroes and villains.