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Behind Embassy Walls: The Life and Times of an American Diplomat (Volume 1),Used
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Behind Embassy Walls is the extraordinary autobiography of a career American diplomat and an account of his role in key events of the Cold War era. The son of an international oilman and a Polish migr, Brandon Grove spent his childhood before World War II largely in Europe, in Nazi Germany, Holland, and Spain. He recounts his acquaintance with William Faulkner while at Bard College, his service in the navy in the Korean War, and his thirtyfiveyear career in the U.S. Foreign Service, focusing on diplomacy as practiced behind the scenes.Woven into the narrative are observations about the impact of McCarthyism; the relative advantages of career versus political appointees to ambassadorships; the training of ambassadors for which he was responsible during the administration of George Herbert Walker Bush; lawyers as diplomats; CIA stations at U.S. embassies; and crisis management in Washington, notably the interagency task force he led in 1992 for the relief of the humanitarian crisis in Somalia. The author opened the first U.S. embassy to East Germany in 1974, served as consul general in Jerusalem in the early 1980s during the war in Lebanon, and was ambassador to Zaire during three years of Mobutu Sese Sekos infamous reign. As director of the Foreign Service Institute, he became largely responsible for creating the State Departments permanent training center.In this candid personal account, Grove voices criticism of the Foreign Service and the State Department, while at the same time revealing the human face of diplomacy. He offers discerning assessments of such notable personalities as Chester Bowles; Robert Kennedy; George Kennan; Omar Torrijos; John Sherman Cooper and his wife, Lorraine; Philip Habib; Willy Brandt; Mobutu; Vernon Walters; Jimmy Carter; and Ronald Reagan, among others. He also describes the requisites for effective American diplomats todayGroves firsthand involvement adds his unique perspective to the body of knowledge concerning the international events he covers. With great finesse, and at key intervals, he also sheds light on his personal life, including lessons he learned about life, love, and family. Especially poignant is the epilogue in which Grove and his son separately recount the occasion on which his son acknowledged his homosexuality to Grove. Fascinating and informative, Behind Embassy Walls will be an indispensable look at the diplomacy of the past century.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages are in this book? A: This book contains three hundred fifty-two pages. It offers an in-depth look into the life of a diplomat during the Cold War.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is a hardcover edition. Hardcover books are generally more durable and provide better protection for the pages.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The dimensions of this book are six point fourteen inches in length, one point two inches in width, and nine point twenty-five inches in height. These dimensions make it a standard size for a hardcover book.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Behind Embassy Walls'? A: The author of this book is Brandon Grove. He shares his personal experiences as an American diplomat throughout his career.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book is categorized as a memoir and autobiography. It recounts the author's experiences in the U.S. Foreign Service.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: This book is generally intended for adult readers. It discusses complex themes related to diplomacy and personal experiences.
- Q: How do I care for this hardcover book? A: To keep this book in good condition, store it upright on a shelf and avoid exposure to moisture. Dust it regularly to maintain its appearance.
- Q: Can this book be read as a historical reference? A: Yes, this book serves as a historical reference. It details key events and insights from the Cold War era through the author's experiences.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'Behind Embassy Walls'? A: The book explores themes of diplomacy, personal identity, and historical events during the Cold War. It provides a unique perspective on international relations.
- Q: What should I do if my book arrives damaged? A: If your book arrives damaged, contact the seller for a return or exchange. Make sure to provide photos of the damage for a smoother process.
- Q: Is there a return policy for this book? A: Yes, there is typically a return policy for this book. Check with the retailer for specific terms regarding returns and refunds.
- Q: What if I have questions about the content of the book? A: If you have questions about the book's content, refer to the book's introduction or reach out to online forums or book clubs for discussions.
- Q: How does this book compare to other memoirs by diplomats? A: This book stands out due to its candid insights into both personal and professional aspects of diplomacy. It offers a unique viewpoint compared to other memoirs.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for someone interested in politics? A: Yes, this book is an excellent choice for those interested in politics and diplomacy. It provides firsthand accounts of key political events and figures.
- Q: Can I find additional resources related to this book? A: Yes, you can find additional resources such as interviews with the author and reviews online. Many libraries and bookstores may also provide related materials.