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I was immediately attracted to a book that covers Adenauer, de Gaulle, Nixon, Sadat, Lee Kuan Yew and Thatcher in one seating. Yet the title was misleading � is this the ultimate set? Was it really strategy? I would have scratched some, added some others. But I understand that being personally acquainted with the six, Henry Kissinger did a good job in focusing on whom he knows in person.

None of the six (except Adenauer, perhaps) were flawless, some would even contest their greatness. However, this is where the volume disappoints: no critique, only good words. Kissinger is very forgiving, especially with Nixon under whom he served.

What saves the book is that it establishes a timeline for the twentieth century history and derives well-thought conclusions for the current times. In the Internet era leadership is no longer what it used to be. Demand for immediacy, intensity, polarity and conformity, says Kissinger, is what prevents good leaders taking the central stage today. I wonder what's in store for us next.