Provokes the reader to think through some of the difficult issues ... There are few books that deal so directly with running a University department and therefore this book should be read by anyone with an interest in that endeavour. Its easy style and treatment of universal management issues make it worthy of a wider audience.

An interesting and often humorous look at academic leadership ... reads like a work written by someone who truly has found his calling.

A clear and well-written personal view about the experience of being a department head. University people have a unique opportunity to profit from the author's inside view, from his experiences communicated in a witty readable style ... strongly recommended not only to heads of departments but also to every faculty member.

Conway's book is a worthwhile read and, if you are an administrator, a place to go for a soul mate wrestling with similar problems, for advice if not consolation, or just as a resource for new ideas and discussion.

This book provides an excellent overview of the various issues involved in governing a department and is recommended reading for all those who aspire to do that. Overall, this book provides plenty of good advice on almost all areas of departmental administration from someone who seems to relish the role.

This is a very interesting small book. The most interesting aspect of the book ... is the insight into the “American psyche” that the book offers. There are quite a few of those pearls in this thin book, as well as many quotables ...

The author has written a frank, thorough and readable account of the experiences and responsibilities of his office. Evidently, written by a man with strong professional values and sense of direction, this memoir is imbued with practicality, empathy with colleagues and sound advice, so that it serves as an astute and useful guide for prospective chairs (not necessarily of mathematics) as well as a source of insight for ordinary departmental citizens.