Outposts of Diplomacy: A History of the Embassy (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781789148497)

A profusely illustrated history of the diplomatic embassy, from antiquity to today.

This compelling history traces the evolution of the embassy, from its ancient origins to its enduring presence in the modern world. Beginning with its precursors in antiquity, the book explores the embassy's emergence on the cusp of the Italian Renaissance, its pinnacle during the nineteenth century, and its navigation through the challenges of twentieth-century conference diplomacy. G. R. Berridge investigates how this European institution adapted its staffing, architecture, and communication methods to changing international landscapes, including the tumultuous wars of religion and encounters in the Far East. He also describes the expansion of the embassy's responsibilities, such as providing diplomatic cover for intelligence operations. Infused with vibrant anecdotes of remarkable individuals and the creation of influential family dynasties, and illustrated throughout, this book offers a fascinating exploration of the embassy's rich history.

Author: G. R. Berridge
ISBN-10: 1789148499
ISBN-13: 9781789148497
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Language: English
Published: 05/23/2024
Pages: 256
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.42lbs
Size: 9.46h x 6.42w x 1.15d

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 02/12/2024