Review
"At last, a leadership book written by a real leader! A fine historian, delightful writer and, vitally, a superb combat-arms officer revered by his peers in uniform, Colonel Antal has given us a book that's both a pleasure to read and eminently useful for those "in command" of organizations of any kind. A stimulating five-star work you'll keep on top of your desk!"
Ralph Peters, Fox News Strategic Analyst and author of Cain at Gettysburg
“If you want to learn about leadership, read this book. If you wish to learn about the leadership that forged the birth of the American Republic, read this book. If you want to be inspired, read this book. John Antal has captured seven timeless stories that will raise your leadership awareness and make you a better leader in peace or war, at home, at work or in your community.”
Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of Gates of Fire and The Warrior Ethos
"John Antal’s timely book, 7 Leadership Lessons – Leadership, Liberty, and the American Revolution is succinctly written and easily understood. On the surface, it demonstrates how those who risked all to create this republic used specific leadership principles to overcome tremendous challenges in that endeavor. These same techniques are just as valid in this century as in theirs. Along the way, Antal paints these revolutionaries as living, breathing human beings with high-risk tasks to accomplish. But Antal’s study actually goes much farther – because behind his straightforward storytelling lies something much more important: an examination of what principles that leadership came from, and what principles it should serve. You’ll come away with the feeling that the founders of this country weren’t “historical figures” but living, breathing human beings with huge problems to solve, for which they used methods available to any one of us who cares to learn."
Bradley Thompson, television writer and producer and the co-writer for the hit TV series' Battlestar Galactica and the 2d & 3d seasons of the new Sci-Fi thriller Falling Skies.
"People forget that it took leadership to win the American Revolution. With his engaging stories tied to well-written leadership lessons, Antal reminds us of that simple, but important, fact. He includes tales of both political and military leaders at key junctions in our nation's long fight for independence. Many readers will thus find vital insights that obviously apply to today as well as the past, while teachers will discover material that can be used in any classroom, at any level. In a country that pays lip service to leadership, while decrying the sad condition of its educational system, Antal's combination of lessons on history and leadership seems timely."
Richard McCaslin, Chair of the Department of History, University of North Texas
"In a superb blend of history and leadership, John Antal has written another 'must read' book that I highly recommend. After an outstanding career as a U.S. Army officer, Colonel Antal has drawn on his own vast experience as a proven 'leader of character' to pass along leadership lessons he derives from the actions of the United States' Founding Fathers. Antal wrote that "It has been an honor to write and talk about the leadership of those who won our Liberty," and his respect for the courage and sacrifice of those leaders during the American Revolution is clearly evident in this outstanding book. Antal is a lifelong student of history, and his mastery of the subject stands out as he uses carefully chosen historical examples to illustrate the leadership lessons. I recommend this book as a key addition to the personal library of anyone interested in leadership, history and the 1775-1783 struggle in which the United States won its independence."
Jerry Morelock, Editor, Armchair General
"This book succeeds on several levels. It is without question a great read. Some of the stories are well known, but none better told....The advice in this book is eminently practical. Antal describes how leadership works in clear, concise, jargon free terms that make discussing the art of leadership both engaging and accessible."
ARMY
"...an excellent story teller who paints a clear picture that brings each story alive.The stories make for great illustrations for the lessons learned. The lessons learned are as applicable to the business enterprise as to military leadership. He does a wonderful job of demonstrating liberty as a motivator demonstrating the importance of the individual."
Kepler’s Military History
"this work seeks to teach leadership lessons using defining moments of the war…shows how they overcame tremendous odds and persevered through adversity"
Military Heritage
"Retired U.S. Army Colonel John Antal presents readers with a wealth of information regarding challenges overcome by various leaders of the American Revolution. His text is organized in eight chapters, focusing first on the leadership of Samuel Adams in Boston, followed by chapters devoted to the oratory of Patrick Henry, the leadership of Boston bookseller Henry Knox, the collaboration of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, the leadership of George Washington at the battles of Trenton and Princeton, Daniel Morgan at the Battle of Cowpens, Washington’s leadership following the war, and several other subjects and source documents. Antal has published extensively on military history, leadership, and war."
ProtoView
About the Author
John Antal is a soldier, military historian, and leadership expert. He served 30 years in the US Army as a combat arms officer, senior staff officer, and commander. He has commanded units from platoon level through regiment and served on corps and multinational staffs. In his post-Army career he has become a video game producer, military consultant and author of thirteen books and hundreds of articles on military and leadership subjects.
