One of the principal military leaders in the tumultuous period after the end of the Cold War, General John Shalikashvili played a key role in questions of U.S. doctrine and force structure. His path to the position of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) was as unique as it was unlikely. Shalikashvili's leadership techniques and approach to problem solving potentially have much to offer today's rising officers. In addition, his personal history makes the most dramatic Horatio Alger story seem mundane. In short, a scholarly and detailed biography of Shalikashvili is long overdue.
Unfortunately, this is not that book. Andrew Marble deserves credit for producing the first biography of Shalikashvili, but it is far from being what the general deserves. Many of the book's shortcoming relate to style and focus. Marble jumps up and down the timeline of Shalikashvili's life, which can be distracting. The book also has...