COLIN POWELL

A chronicle of the life of the soldier, general, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, through his decision in the fall of 1995 not to run for president. Although this is an entry in the African-American Biographies series, the subject of Powell's race is relegated to a minor role in his story. Schraff focuses on Powell's career climb, at the expense of details about his personal life and personality; the emphasis is on his hard work, honesty, and charisma. The tone is thoroughly admiring, leaving no room for any information that might make the general look less than perfect, and doesn't develop a full picture of his performance in his many roles. For researchers, however, this is a straightforward—sometimes exciting—story of a remarkable life. (b&w photos, not seen, chronology, notes, further reading, index) (Biography. 11+)