Outposts Of Diplomacy (a History Of The Embassy)

By (author) Berridge, G. R.
Short description/annotation:
A profusely illustrated history of the diplomatic embassy, from antiquity to today.
Description:
This compelling history traces the evolution of the embassy from its ancient origins to its enduring presence in the modern world. Beginning with the embassy’s precursors in antiquity, Outposts of Diplomacy explores its 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 East Asia. 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 influential family dynasties, this book offers a profusely illustrated exploration of the embassy’s rich history.
Table of contents:
Preface Introduction 1 Fifteenth-Century Beginnings 2 Expanding Duties 3 Household and Buildings 4 Pre-Telegraphic Communications 5 Nineteenth-Century Highpoint 6 Enter the Americas 7 The Middle East and Africa 8 Far Eastern Compounds 9 Backseat after the First World War 10 Stubborn Institution Epilogue Bibliography Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index
Review quote:
"Berridge intends to lead us through the thickets and secrets of the history of the embassy, showing us the impact this institution has had on the world’s history . . . Berridge makes it clear that in many cases attempts to influence other powers were not quite a pastoral project. There were assassinations and violations and rivalries; ambassadors could also test the boundaries of their privilege . . . There is a compelling history to be told of these machinations, and those mining for such detail can find much in Berridge’s account." - Wall Street Journal
"We all know what embassies are: grand houses where pompous people stand under chandeliers drinking champagne to no obvious purpose. Why should we waste our money on these overpaid toffs when modern technology allows instant communication between world leaders? G.R. Berridge tackles the question in his history of the permanent diplomatic mission. It is a convoluted story, covering many continents and cultures, but Berridge has mastered the voluminous literature and the intricate detail. He is a fluent storyteller, though the story is overwhelming." - History Today
"The history of the resident embassy since the Renaissance is the subject of this excellent and readable work. Berridge addresses transformations over the centuries resulting from religious conflicts, revolutions, world wars, conference diplomacy, and changing technologies . . . Berridge provides much anecdotal detail about individual diplomats, making this a lively, colorful, and enjoyable read. Highly recommended." - Choice
"Surprisingly captivating. . . . In these pages, Berridge gives readers not only a smoothly-paced and quietly eloquent account of that embassy evolution but also a marvelous gallery of the people who led those embassies . . . “Diplomacy,” Berridge wonderfully sums up, ”is the art of conducting business between states without resort to force, propaganda or law,” and Outposts of Diplomacy so entertainingly dramatizes this shop-talk world that readers will be wishing the book were three times its length." - Open Letters Review
"Berridge provides a broad overview of diplomacy’s cornerstone – the resident embassy . . . this will appeal to political history buffs." - Publishers Weekly<