From Sharach Bond, who served as the first governor of Illinois beginning in 1818, to William Ogden, Chicago's first mayor, many powerful men and women have played vital roles in the political life and climate of both Chicago and Illinois. The Governors of Illinois and the Mayors of Chicago provides biographies for the state's most important power brokers.

In this study, author Bradley W. Rasch explores the history of the state, its politics, and its power brokers and details little-known facts about some of the important people:

- Edward Coles, who served as governor from 1822 to 1826, was an abolitionist long before it was fashionable.

- Gov. Joseph Duncan's (1834-1838) major accomplishment was moving the state capital to Springfield.

- William Ogden is called Chicago's founder and served as the first mayor after its incorporation, which he helped facilitate.

- Mayor Augustus Garrett served as mayor twice but is best known for having his second election invalidated due to fraud.

Filled with an interesting array of facts and trivia, The Governors of Illinois and the Mayors of Chicago shows how many of the people who served in these positions have gone on to receive national and international acclaim and influence.