Jack Gance is a man on the rise in American politics who takes the reader right inside the political arena, from the wards of Chicago to the Executive Office Building in Washington.

The Political Fiction of Ward Just: Class, Theories of Representation, and Imagining a Ruling Elite uses three theoretical frameworks of representation—literary, political, and diplomatic—to demonstrate how the upper-class status of the ruling elites in Ward Just’s political fiction influences the way they govern. He illustrates how Just’s ruling elites develop a coherent “upper class” form of consciousness that limits their ability as elected officials to adequately represent the interests of all the nation’s citizens domestically—especially the poor and working class—and their ability as diplomats to adequately represent the interests of the nation as a whole internationally. In his conclusion, the author offers suggestions for ways to make our ruling elites more representative of the interests of the working class and underprivileged groups at home and more sensitive to the cultures of the countries in which they serve abroad.

Writer and editor Robert A. Parker has followed up his six-volume A Literary Cavalcade with a seventh volume. This volume of criticism covers mainly the fiction he has read from 2013 to early 2017. His comments are informed by his Jesuit upbringing but also by an independent critical view that balances a moral and literary sensibility. The writers here represent a broad range of writing styles, cultural influences, and moral philosophies. And all are rated on their literary achievement, the effectiveness of plot, character, and setting, plus their recognition of the moral, ethical, and spiritual values of mankind. Here is a unique critical perspective that measures the meaning of literature against the meaning of life.

Explore a framework to build and invest in profitable companies that consistently outperform the rest How do great organisations go from paper to profit? What are the secrets to sound, lucrative decision-making? And how can you analyse executive and company performance for smarter investing — as a leader or a shareholder? In The Founder Effect: Three Pillars of Success in Founder-Led Companies, investment funds manager Lawrence Lam identifies the intangible elements that drive the success behind outstanding global companies. Backed by behavioural psychology, case studies and examples from some of the world's most iconic brands, The Founder Effect shows you how to uncover a business's potential for profit. This handbook presents a compelling three-pillar framework, giving you the tools you need to evaluate track record, assess motivation, and go beyond marketing spin to uncover actual progress. Understand the magic formula that generates success within executive management teams Uncover how intelligent organisational design supports a company, from people to productivity Review leadership judgement and uncover cognitive biases that influence decision-making Discover what motivates an executive team, from psychological ownership to incentive structures Ensure that an organisation's leadership truly reflects its core values and culture Perfect for investors, founders, executive management, board members and other business leaders, The Founder Effect is a can't-miss resource for measuring what takes a company from good to great. 'Lawrence Lam provides a clear framework for evaluating management teams by highlighting the traits that make great founders successful. The Founder Effect is a must-read for anyone looking to understand what sets top leadership apart.' — Chip Wilson, Founder of Lululemon 'The Founder Effect breaks away from conventional business theory, offering a deep dive into the out-of-the-box entrepreneurial mindset. It explores the innovative strategies that have been key to Chemist Warehouse’s enduring success and growth.' — Jack Gance, Chairman and Co-founder, Chemist Warehouse 'The Founder Effect isn’t just another business book. It’s a powerhouse of insight that unveils the secrets to how we operate — capturing the essence of a founder’s mindset and how we have forged success and growth at Flight Centre.' — Graham Turner, Global Managing Director, CEO, and Co-founder of Flight Centre Travel Group

Politics with Principle: Ten Characters with Character validates the belief that it is possible for public servants to achieve success in the political arena without lying, cheating, or stealing along the way. It is the author's hope that this book will deepen the reader's appreciation for all in political life who conduct themselves honorably as well as encourage future aspirants of good character to consider public service. This book shows a rising generation the extent to which their own future will depend on the character traits they build in the present. By studying the exemplary characters showcased within, students of politics will be able to imitate their virtuous habits of life, thought, and action. About the Author Michael J. Kerrigan has forty-two years of Washington lobbying and business consulting experience, working closely with the government, political, corporate, and technology sectors. He is the founder and principal of Kerrigan & Associates, Inc., a Washington-based management consulting and lobbying firm. Mr. Kerrigan has been a teacher, coach, congressional campaign manager, and guest lecturer. He has served as an international political liaison to the Vatican for a conference on disabilities and as a U.S. observer, investigating the war-torn regions of Northern Ireland, Latin America, and the Middle East. He also served as an ACYPL delegate to Ireland and to the Federal Republic of Germany. Praise for Politics with Principle Michael is a valued friend, and I respect his knowledge and understanding of our complicated political environment. In a time of much cynicism, this book examines those who represent the best of what makes our political system work and underscores that good character is good politics. From my more than fifty-five years in the public relations business, I couldn't agree more. --Howard J. Rubenstein, Public Relations Executive, New York, NY Today public cynicism about government officials is very high. Michael Kerrigan's well-done analysis of several people who have served with distinction reminds us that public service remains our highest calling and that it can and should be done well. --Joel Klein, Chancellor, New York City Schools, New York, NY Michael Kerrigan is a highly principled and deeply religious man. In Politics with Principle: Ten Characters with Character, he finds these same qualities in ten of his "pals in politics." Because his probing questions are directed to close friends, the reader will discover, in their verbatim responses, some interesting nuggets about public figures that would never be found in a "Who's Who." --Charles S. Robb, former Governor and United States Senator, Virginia I have known Mike for many years, both socially and professionally. His insight into how government works and the people that make it work are the best in Washington. I know many of the characters in his book and share his assessments of their characters and abilities. The book will be a refreshing read at a time when the American people are questioning our political institutions and its leaders. --Thomas Hale Boggs, Jr., Esq., Patton Boggs LLP, Washington, D.C.

“A gripping international thriller” about a Foreign Service officer—and the son who turns to terrorism to spite him (Los Angeles Times). William North Jr. inherited his father’s keen political instincts and passion for justice. But the last time Ambassador North saw his son he seemed like a stranger—and a hostile one at that. Now, just as North prepares to take a new post in Germany, reports emerge that Bill Jr. is aligned with a German terrorist organization. Suddenly, a private conflict between father and son escalates to a matter of national security. North is faced with a terrifying dilemma as loyalty to family and country are directly at odds. The American Ambassador is at once a riveting tale of suspense and a thoughtful meditation on the fragility of Western values in an age of terrorism. “Haunting and persuasive . . . Charged with authenticity . . . A splendid book that is both thoughtful and fast-moving.” —The New York Times “To make out the jagged intersections of ambition and greed, idealism and sell-out in contemporary politics, you need only turn to . . . The American Ambassador.” —Salon.com

"The winter of the year my father carried a gun for his own protection was the coldest on record in Chicago." So begins Ward Just's An Unfinished Season, the winter in question a postwar moment of the 1950s when the modern world lay just over the horizon, a time of rabid anticommunism, worker unrest, and government corruption. Even the small-town family could not escape the nationwide suspicion and dread of "the enemy within." In rural Quarterday, on the margins of Chicago's North Shore, nineteen-year-old Wilson Ravan watches as his father's life unravels. Teddy Ravan -- gruff, unapproachable, secure in his knowledge of the world -- is confronting a strike and even death threats from union members who work at his printing business. Wilson, in the summer before college, finds himself straddling three worlds when he takes a job at a newspaper: the newsroom where working-class reporters find class struggle at the heart of every issue, the glittering North Shore debutante parties where he spends his nights, and the growing cold war between his parents at home. These worlds collide when he falls in love with the headstrong daughter of a renowned psychiatrist with a frightful past in World War II. Tragedy strikes her family, and the revelation of secrets calls into question everything Wilson once believed. From a distinguished chronicler of American social history and the political world, An Unfinished Season is a brilliant exploration of culture, politics, and the individual conscience.