Drawing on exclusive interviews with Jacques Delors himself, this comprehensive, accessibly written study of his life and Commission presidency is an invaluable resource for all those interested in European and French Politics. Debunking populist images and myths about him, this book presents a balanced examination of a widely misinterpreted political figure. This book also raises important issues such as: the role of individual leaders in contemporary politics the legitimacy of the European Union as a political system.

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).

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;