In this collection of 14 essays, military historians from the US and UK examine the history, development, and role of the chief of staff from the Napoleonic Wars through World War I. They profile operational chiefs such as James Guthrie Harbord, Maxime Weygand, Louis-Alexandre Berthier, Fritz von Lossberg, Hans von Seeckt, and Erich Ludendorff, their relationships with commanders and subordinates, and their management style. A chronology of each chief's career is included. The book is the first in a two-volume series. Zabecki, the author of several military history books, served in the Vietnam War and later as a chief of staff. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)