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The 58 historical-biographical profiles in this work reflect the highest representation of American diplomacy. The alphabetically arranged entries are four to eight pages each and capture an array of foreign concerns and many domestic issues. The writer of each profile is identified, and a list of contributors at the end gives academic affiliations and pertinent scholarship.

Following a preface that describes the editor's selection criteria, each entry begins with full birth and death dates and locations, education, family background, and career progression. The larger issues during diplomatic assignments are described fully, as well as the difficulties in achieving success. The concept of one interdependent world comes through clearly in the descriptions. Each entry concludes with a candid but fair assessment of the person's achievements. After the narrative, a list of works by and about the diplomat leads the user to other sources. Among the ambassadors who are profiled are Madeleine Albright, Ralph Bunche, Benjamin Franklin, and Adlai Stevenson. A selected bibliography of more than 20 pages cites both documentary sources and secondary works.

The writing is lively and enables users to easily gain needed biographical information as well as a clear understanding of why each person is included. The contributors point out changes in the positions of the diplomat and the nation and bring forward the pressures the ambassadors worked under or which affected them after their assignments. A valuable side benefit is awareness of how fortunate the U.S. has been with such dedicated representation.

Basic information on earlier diplomats is found in Dictionary of American Biography, while more recent persons are found in Current Biography and other sources. Compared with these sources, Notable U.S. Ambassadors since 1775 is much more complete, up to date in research, and superior in providing a deeper understanding. Highly recommended for academic and medium to large public libraries.

Review

"The 58 historical-biographical profiles in this work reflect the highest representation of American diplomacy. The alphabetically arranged entries are four to eight pages each and capture an array of foreign concerns and many domestic issues.... The writing is lively and enables users to easily gain needed biographical information as well as a clear understanding of why each person is included. The contributors point out changes in the positions of the diplomat and the nation and bring forward the pressures the ambassadors worked under or which affected them after their assignments. A valuable side benefit is awareness of how fortunate the U.S. has been with such dedicated representation. Compared with [other sources], Notable U.S. Ambassadors since 1775 is much more complete, up to date in research, and superior in providing a deeper understanding. Highly recommended for academic and medium to large public libraries."-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin