Kronika. PERSONALITATE ȘI PUTERE. Cei care au distrus și cei care au construit Europa moderna.

Ian Kershaw asks how single leaders shaped Europe in the twentieth century. How did their traits and the times give them power? Why did some states take paths that caused less harm? This book of history studies political power through twelve lives.

The book looks at Lenin, Stalin, Hitler and Mussolini. It also covers Tito and Franco. These two had their main impact in their own countries. What let these men rule with so few limits? They used their sway over people, control and deadly force. They changed how people lived and fought wars, with scant care for others. Kershaw asks what brought their era to an end.

He also looks at Churchill, de Gaulle and Adenauer. Gorbachev, Thatcher and Kohl form part of this group too. Their traits and use of power offer points of contrast. The book links each leader's traits to broad social and political forces. It suits those drawn to Europe's past and its leaders.

Kershaw studies Nazi Germany and Hitler. He has also written the story of Hitler's life. He won the Elizabeth Longford Prize for historical biography. He is a member of the British Academy. He also belongs to the Royal Historical Society. He holds memberships in academic bodies in Berlin and Bonn too. He gained a knighthood in 2002 for his work as a historian.

This edition forms part of the Kronika series. Petru Iamandi translated the book from English.