Uploaded June 2018 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In the Foreign Office, it has been a tradition for centuries that British ambassadors and consuls-general leaving their posts be permitted to circulate valedictory addresses, as a one-off, throughout the diplomatic corps, without fear of reproach or reprisal from London.
"Parting Shots," in which such hitherto confidential salvoes have been sampled to perfection ("The Spanish Ambassador's Suitcase" being another, of which more anon), is an outstanding collection of these frank, witty, and perceptive ambassadorial vents, in which bemused humour blends seamlessly with raw truth.
Until the dreaded Trump came along, undiplomatic diplomacy was a rara avis in the corridors of power. So, too, was political incorrectness beyond ambassadorial bedrooms. BBC Radio 4, seizing the opportunity, ran a series based on this book, drawing from a broad range of suddenly public missives. Of Nepal: "Riddled with superstition and astrologers"; Thailand: "A latter-day version of Sodom and Gomorrah"; Saudi Arabia: "The theatre of the absurd is never far away"; and, of course, Canada: "Political patronage flourishes" (Plus ca change!) But these, in turn, are transcended by Sir Nicholas "Nicko" Henderson, after whom your correspondent is named, whose own, memorable parting shot from Paris was only declassified in 2010, thanks to the persistent intervention of the editor of The Economist.
A refreshing and fascinating change from official positions, and thoroughly engaging.
More political book reviews at:
bookreviewsandvideos.com/category/historical-and-political-book-reviews
In the Foreign Office, it has been a tradition for centuries that British ambassadors and consuls-general leaving their posts be permitted to circulate valedictory addresses, as a one-off, throughout the diplomatic corps, without fear of reproach or reprisal from London.
"Parting Shots," in which such hitherto confidential salvoes have been sampled to perfection ("The Spanish Ambassador's Suitcase" being another, of which more anon), is an outstanding collection of these frank, witty, and perceptive ambassadorial vents, in which bemused humour blends seamlessly with raw truth.
Until the dreaded Trump came along, undiplomatic diplomacy was a rara avis in the corridors of power. So, too, was political incorrectness beyond ambassadorial bedrooms. BBC Radio 4, seizing the opportunity, ran a series based on this book, drawing from a broad range of suddenly public missives. Of Nepal: "Riddled with superstition and astrologers"; Thailand: "A latter-day version of Sodom and Gomorrah"; Saudi Arabia: "The theatre of the absurd is never far away"; and, of course, Canada: "Political patronage flourishes" (Plus ca change!) But these, in turn, are transcended by Sir Nicholas "Nicko" Henderson, after whom your correspondent is named, whose own, memorable parting shot from Paris was only declassified in 2010, thanks to the persistent intervention of the editor of The Economist.
A refreshing and fascinating change from official positions, and thoroughly engaging.
More political book reviews at:
bookreviewsandvideos.com/category/historical-and-political-book-reviews
