In the riveting narrative of "The Lords of Strategy," acclaimed business journalist Walter Kiechel III unfolds the genesis of corporate strategy that revolutionized the business world. With a storyteller's flair, Kiechel chronicles the intellectual odyssey of four visionary men – Bruce Henderson of Boston Consulting Group, Bill Bain of Bain & Company, Fred Gluck of McKinsey & Company, and the eminent Harvard professor Michael Porter. Before their groundbreaking work in the 1960s, the landscape of business strategy was a barren expanse, devoid of the sophisticated analyses and methodologies that define it today. Through their pioneering thoughts and the institutions they built, these mavericks not only crafted the tools of modern strategy but also laid the cornerstone for the consulting industry, turning it into a multi-billion dollar powerhouse. Kiechel's masterful account goes beyond a mere historical recount to delve into the very essence of what strategy means in the contemporary business arena. "The Lords of Strategy" is both a testament to the transformative power of strategic thinking and a critical guide for navigating today's fiercely competitive business environment. Through vivid anecdotes and insightful analysis, Kiechel reveals how these four individuals and their creations wrestled with the big questions of value, competition, and advantage. This book is not just a look back at the intellectual battles and strategic innovations of the past; it is a forward-looking primer for anyone interested in understanding the forces that shape businesses today. In telling the story of strategy's lords, Kiechel offers a compelling narrative that is as instructive as it is fascinating, making this work an indispensable resource for leaders, consultants, and strategists everywhere.