John Harper offers a worthwhile, if dry, look at a topic that is too rarely addressed in business literature, namely, how to create, structure and operate a board of directors. One of the book's most useful features is first-person sidebars from well-known directors and business leaders, who offer practical advice on key topics. The appendices are also informative, focusing on corporate governance issues and the legal best practices every board member should know. Written with the interests of board chairmen foremost in mind, this book provides a thoughtful look at the major issues likely to confront any board. Although you may have to search hard to find anything novel in its approach, perhaps that's appropriate, given the inherently cautious and conservative nature of most boards. We recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve corporate governance, particularly those who serve on boards of directors.