Helen Drake is a Lecturer in the Department of European Studies, Loughborough University. She has published widely on aspects of French and European Politics. Her previous publications include The Language of Leadership in Contemporary France (co-edited with John Gaffney).

Not only does this book recognise the importance of Delors but also the power of the European Commission's President to shape the European Union. As such it is a valuable read for students, scholars and researchers of all levels in European Politics that offers an interesting insight into the 'accidental nature' of political leadership. - www.knoweurope.net

• Chapter 1 Jacques Delors, 1985–95; Chapter 2 The Making of a European Commission President, 1945–85; Chapter 3 Leadership and Legitimacy Dilemmas; Chapter 4 Delors the Pragmatic Visionary?; Chapter 5 Towards a New European Society?; Chapter 6 Jacques Delors;