The Ambassadors

From Ancient Greece to Renaissance Europe, the Men Who Introduced the World to Itself

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, International Relations, History, World History
Cover of the book The Ambassadors by Jonathan Wright, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jonathan Wright ISBN: 9780547536903
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publication: June 5, 2006
Imprint: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Language: English
Author: Jonathan Wright
ISBN: 9780547536903
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication: June 5, 2006
Imprint: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Language: English

From the author of Heretics comes this “informative and enjoyable glimpse at the travails and achievements of emissaries over thousands of years” (Booklist).
 
We think of ambassadors as simply diplomats—but once they were adventurers who dared an uncertain fate in unknown lands, bringing gifts of greyhounds and elephants to powerful and unpredictable leaders. In vivid detail, The Ambassadors traces the remarkable journeys of these emissaries, taking us from the linguistically challenged Greek Megasthenes to the first Japanese embassies to China and Korea; from Mohammed’s ambassadors to Egypt to the envoys of Byzantium, who had the unenviable task of convincing Attila the Hun to stop attacking them. We also witness the dialogue between Europe and Moorish Spain, and meet the ill-fated envoys sent in search of the mythical king Prester John.
 
What Europe still thinks of Asia and what Asia still thinks of Africa were in no small part kindled in these long-ago first encounters. From the cuneiform civilizations of the ancient Near East to the clashing empires of the early modern age, JonathanWright brings alive the men who introduced the great cultures of the world to each other.
 
“Illuminating the practice of diplomatic immunity, the gradual formalization of the institution of global diplomacy and the role of maverick diplomats, Wright carefully balances general developments in the scope of ambassadorial duties with colorful and exemplary tales of particular instances.” —Publishers Weekly

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

From the author of Heretics comes this “informative and enjoyable glimpse at the travails and achievements of emissaries over thousands of years” (Booklist).
 
We think of ambassadors as simply diplomats—but once they were adventurers who dared an uncertain fate in unknown lands, bringing gifts of greyhounds and elephants to powerful and unpredictable leaders. In vivid detail, The Ambassadors traces the remarkable journeys of these emissaries, taking us from the linguistically challenged Greek Megasthenes to the first Japanese embassies to China and Korea; from Mohammed’s ambassadors to Egypt to the envoys of Byzantium, who had the unenviable task of convincing Attila the Hun to stop attacking them. We also witness the dialogue between Europe and Moorish Spain, and meet the ill-fated envoys sent in search of the mythical king Prester John.
 
What Europe still thinks of Asia and what Asia still thinks of Africa were in no small part kindled in these long-ago first encounters. From the cuneiform civilizations of the ancient Near East to the clashing empires of the early modern age, JonathanWright brings alive the men who introduced the great cultures of the world to each other.
 
“Illuminating the practice of diplomatic immunity, the gradual formalization of the institution of global diplomacy and the role of maverick diplomats, Wright carefully balances general developments in the scope of ambassadorial duties with colorful and exemplary tales of particular instances.” —Publishers Weekly

More books from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Cover of the book The Robber Barons by Jonathan Wright
Cover of the book 5 Ingredients or Less Slow Cooker Cookbook by Jonathan Wright
Cover of the book The Taxing Case of the Cows by Jonathan Wright
Cover of the book Black Flower by Jonathan Wright
Cover of the book Inventions of the March Hare by Jonathan Wright
Cover of the book How to Be Secular by Jonathan Wright
Cover of the book To the Gates of Richmond by Jonathan Wright
Cover of the book The Life of the Mind by Jonathan Wright
Cover of the book Messenger by Jonathan Wright
Cover of the book Love, Fiercely by Jonathan Wright
Cover of the book Kill or Capture by Jonathan Wright
Cover of the book God in a Cup by Jonathan Wright
Cover of the book Let Me Finish by Jonathan Wright
Cover of the book Jane Fonda by Jonathan Wright
Cover of the book The Tender Land by Jonathan Wright
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy