An intertesting insight into the world of diplomacy from a seasoned diplomat. Lots of insightful anecdotes about being on the edge of world events.

Diplomacy is usually described through the glamorous and visible part of the job. Who would not want to be a diplomat, drink champagne every few days, travel the world and eventually speak many languages? Retired diplomat Sir Michael Burton started his diplomatic service encouraged by his father when the Cold War was boiling hot. Covering a career of almost 40 years - 37 to be more precise - he was a direct witness or got directly involved in a variety of international political events: the raise of the Gulf kingdoms, different episodes of the Cold War, the end of the Cold War and the Fall of Berlin Wall.

From Berlin to Paris or the Gulf, there are different perspectives and standpoints shared which may be useful to diplomats in the making as well as people curious about how diplomacy really works. The style is very friendly and does not require advanced diplomatic knowledge. Although Sir Michael Vurton introduces a a general diplomatic overview, the facts are introduced through the exclusive British lenses. Therefore, On Her Majesty´s Diplomatic Service provides a long-term overview of the London´s approach, during and after the end of the Cold War.

Definitely, diplomacy rarely looks so glamorous as the outsiders may represent it. However, it is a profession that needs dedication and talent, despite the bureaucratic overload and the challenging burnout.

The memoir by Sir Michael Burton is a contribution to translating diplomacy in a everyday language. It also shares an important slice of European and British history that may raise the standards high for the next generation of diplomats.

Helping escapees from East Germany, keeping a picture of an actress dancing on a table at an important party, and meeting the spy George Blake. Sir Michael Burton's diplomatic life included all of these adventures and more! He tells the story of his diplomatic career in many countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe in a wonderfully interesting and clear manner, and includes several anecdotes and meetings with politicians and leaders. At one stage, he gave Mrs Thatcher strong advice! He also recounts his meetings with the Queen, and her visits, including a somewhat controversial one to Germany.

The book gives readers an inside look into the behind-the-scenes of diplomacy, and covers world-changing historical events, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall. I was also especially interested in Sir Michael's time in the Sudan, because my husband worked there a long time ago.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

EDITION Paperback

ISBN 9781915248008

PRICE £14.95 (GBP)

What a life and career this outstanding diplomat has had, from his birth to his retirement this memoir charts the remarkable path ‘working for the Queen and this Country’ led him
We travel the length and breadth of his assignments including Kuwait, Czech Republic and Sudan, all fascinating and to Germany where ‘the wall fell’ in his time there, the insight as to how this happened and what went after and the detail and negotiation to achieve a Unified Germany is a real eye opener and gives a birds eye view of the intricate and often fraught proceedings
I really enjoyed not only reading about Sir Michael’s various work ( and leisure ) in his postings but the history of each Country and Britains diplomatic history within that history
I really enjoyed reading about the various Lords and Ladies ( often in previous roles before becoming Peers ) and their work in various Govt organisations, this, of course no small part because I worked for the House of Lords for 8 years, this aside everyone will find this book a fascinating, frank and honest look at a most desirable career, not an easy one many times but rewarding in every way
As memoirs go this was one of the most enjoyable I have read, rich in bringing an often unknown ‘job’to us the readers and very ‘easy to read’ in it’s presentation ( lots of pictures, some of which tell great times in the worlds history )
A really good, enjoyable, factual yet personable read

10/10
5 Stars

I’m sorry, but I am unable to download this book. It’s too bad, it looked really interesting. I guess I will have to wait until it’s published. Thanks anyway.

Unfortunately my ARC only had the photos in the digital version so I cannot give a considered review of the book.
It's a shame because I was looking forward to a glimpse in to the world of the diplomatic service.