The publisher is known for visually arresting books, and this volume is no exception. Twenty-one commanders receive extended attention, and another 220 are briefly profiled. The format is oversize (10x12.5", and each page is beautifully designed to incorporate (without clutter) a rich display of art, photos, sidebars, timelines, maps, and quotes. Arrangement is chronological, beginning with the ancient world (1500 BCE-500 CE) and continuing, era by era (and region by region) through to the present. There's plenty of contextual information--including the details of key battles as well as special attention to battles where great leaders met. The profiles themselves offer biographical data and discussion of strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. The author is based in London and writes military and history books. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)