Encyclopedia of Leadership, edited by George R. Goethals, Georgia J. Sorenson and James McGregor Burns. 4 vols. 1,927p. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2004. 0-7619-2597-X; 2004-1252. $595.

This groundbreaking encyclopedia attempts to explain fundamental questions of leadership studies: What is leadership? What makes a good leader? What makes some people leaders and others followers? Can we train people to be leaders? How can we recognize leadership problems? In 373 essays ranging from 1,000-6,000 words, 280 scholars explore these questions with varying approaches. From Genghis Khan to Mother Teresa, biographies illustrate the characteristics of notable leaders. Case studies of the Beatles, the Enron scandal and Tiananmen Square examine the methods employed by leaders in a variety of situations. Business, music, politics and gangs are examples of different domains of human activity where particular kinds of leadership may be observed. Social theories of leadership, followers and environmental influences are drawn from many disciplines. Psychology illuminates personal traits and styles of leadership. Other entries advance theories of power and leadership. Some 300 sidebars excerpt writings on leadership from Aristotle to Martin Luther King, Jr. Appendices list books on leadership, leadership programs around the world, and provide additional primary documents on foreign policy, war and religion. From competition and charisma to mentoring and trust, this interdisciplinary guide supplies students, scholars and practitioners with an excellent introduction to current thinking on leadership. This innovative tool is highly recommended for academic libraries.