First, his birth was illegitimate, so the records of his early life are either largely fictitious or non-existent. Second, because he was a whistleblower but relatively impecunious, he went to great lengths to cover his own literary tracks in order to safeguard his salaried income, so it is by no means easy to identify his writing, especially his newspaper articles. Third, because aristocrats both inside and outside the Foreign Office were desperate to contrive his downfall a whole raft of damaging myths was created about his official conduct and particular events in his life, and these have been constantly re-cycled – and inevitably embellished. … Finally, he left no personal collection of private papers – no private correspondence, no diaries, no unpublished memoirs…
Berridge closes his book with these words:Grenville-Murray’s ultimate misfortune was that his two great patrons, Dickens and Palmerston, tugged him in opposite directions: the former to the literary exposure of social evils, the latter to the important work of diplomacy. He was no saint but it remains to his credit that, despite the tension between them and the strain that simultaneously plying these two trades imposed on his family, he made such a valuable contribution to both over such a long period. He deserves a better place in history than that pegged on the lazy re-cycling of the myths that he was a ‘scurrilous’ journalist deservedly ‘horsewhipped’ by a nobleman he had offended.
Two observations about this lively chronicle of an extraordinary life in diplomacy and journalism: first, its contemporary relevance (you can’t help noticing the partial parallels with another equally talented Murray whose controversial diplomatic career was eventually terminated by a hostile and exasperated Foreign Office); and, secondly, what an excellent film could be made of Berridge’s book, one that would be exciting and funny in equal parts. Conversion of the text to a film script wouldn’t be exceptionally difficult. It might need a voice-over narrator for which Geoff Berridge’s own distinctive voice would be ideal. In the introduction to his book on his own website, Berridge sets out no fewer than 16 reasons for his decision to publish it as an ordinary PDF file on his website rather than submitting it to his publishers for publication as a book, whether in hard covers, as a paperback or as an e-book, or any combination of the three. All book publishers should take the precaution of thinking carefully about the professor’s 16 reasons, which have significant lessons for them. The downside seems to be the greater difficulty in spreading awareness of the existence of the book on a single semi-private website: very little chance of reviews in specialist or general interest journals or newspapers, no mentions in publishers’ lists or advertisements. It’s there, absolutely free and ready to be downloaded, but how many people know about it? It’s even quite easy to send it from one’s own computer to a Kindle, if you have a Kindle account, so that you can add it to your Kindle library to read on the train, or plane, or in your favourite Chinese restaurant when lunching or dining alone. So please heed this earnest plea: if you’re prompted by this to download and read A Diplomatic Whistleblower in the Victorian Era, and if you enjoy it as much as I did, spread the word about it, and send your friends and family without delay to https://grberridge.diplomacy.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/GrenvilleMurray.01.pdf. PS: Full disclosure: Geoff Berridge is an old friend. A few years ago I made some modest contributions as Editorial Consultant to the first edition of his extraordinarily useful and readable Dictionary of Diplomacy: please see the Preface to the First Edition in subsequent editions. More recently he has proved an excellent mentor and literary godfather helping in very many ways to bring my own first (and last) book, What Diplomats Do, into a not particularly startled world — please see https://www.barder.com/4229. Note: Review was first published on Brian Barder’s website and is reposted here with permission from the author. Review by Brian Barder
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The message provides a brief overview of a diplomatic history spanning the years from 1939 to 1979.
A History of Diplomacy in the International Development of Europe, vol. 2
The message provides an overview of the evolution of diplomacy in Europe, highlighting its significance in international development.
The Evolution of Diplomatic Method
The Evolution of Diplomatic Method discusses the changing nature of diplomacy over time. From traditional methods to modern practices, diplomacy has adapted to technological advancements and global challenges. The article emphasizes the importance of evolving diplomatic strategies to effectively address the complexities of the contemporary world.
Diplomacy of Image & Memory: Swiss Bankers and Nazi Gold
The text discusses the perception of Swiss bankers in relation to their handling of Nazi gold during World War II.
Beyond diplomatic – the unravelling of history
In his paper, Robert Alston travels through time to rekindle an important highlight – as well as a personal highlight – in the history of knowledge management. His journey takes him back to the 1850s, which saw Antonio Panizzi’s efforts in creating a universal repository of knowledge in the British Museum; and to the 1990s, a time in which he acquired first-hand experience at the same museum, drawing conclusions on the various available ways of navigating large bibliographical and archival databases.
Searching for the prehistoric origins of diplomacy
What if diplomacy had started in the first contact between two distinct bands of nomadic Homo sapiens hunter-gatherers in the Palaeolithic period, even before the advent of agriculture and the transition from nomadism to Neolithic sedentary societies? In this post, prepared especially for this blog, a summary of the author’s argument, originally published by the Cambridge Review of International Affairs [1], is presented to DiploFoundation readers searching for the ancient origins of the diplomatic practice.
The British Interests Section in Kampala, 1976-7
The message below provides an overview of the activities and challenges faced by the British Interests Section in Kampala between 1976 and 1977.
The Invisible Weapon: Telecommunications and International Politics 1851-1945
The text discusses the impact of telecommunications on international politics from 1851 to 1945.
Public diplomacy: Sunrise of an academic field
The text discusses the emergence and growth of public diplomacy as a field of study within academia.
The Beijing-Washington Back-Channel and Henry Kissinger’s Secret Trip to China
The text discusses the Beijing-Washington back-channel and Henry Kissinger's covert visit to China.
Relations between Cyprus and Germany 1960 to 1968
Antonis Sammoutis attempts an examination of relations between Germany and Cyprus during the years 1960-1968. He starts by examining bilateral relations in the first three years of the Republic of Cyprus and then going into the most crucial year of the conflict in Cyprus - 1964. Sammoutis then examines the years 1965-1968 ending with a summary of the main issues along with the main conclusions drawn from the research.
England and the Avignon Popes: The practice of diplomacy in late medieval Europe
In England and the Avignon Popes, Karsten Plöger, who is a Research Fellow at the German Historical Institute in London, has provided an invaluable book not only for students of medieval diplomatic method but for students of diplomacy in general. It is a work of immense and meticulous scholarship: exhaustively researched, well organized, carefully worded, penetrating, and beautifully written.
Did diplomatic immunity exist in the ancient Near East?
The text discusses the concept of diplomatic immunity in the ancient Near East.
The Nineteenth Century Foreign Office
The Nineteenth Century Foreign Office discusses the evolution of foreign diplomacy during the 1800s, emphasizing the growth of Britain's diplomatic service, the influence of key diplomats and foreign secretaries, and the changing dynamics of international relations during this time period. It explores the impact of major events such as the Congress of Vienna, the Crimean War, and the development of the British Empire on the role and function of the Foreign Office. The article highlights the significant role played by diplomats and foreign secretaries in shaping British foreign policy and navig...
English Medieval Diplomacy
The text discusses English Medieval Diplomacy.
Summits: Six Meetings that Shaped the Twentieth Century
Summits: Six Meetings that Shaped the Twentieth Century" explores the impact of six key summits in the 20th century, highlighting their significance in shaping global politics and history. These meetings, involving world leaders like Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin, and Kennedy, influenced major events such as the Cold War, arms control negotiations, and diplomatic relations. Through detailed analysis, the book demonstrates how these summits played a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the 20th century.
The Diplomats, 1919-1939
The message outlines the diplomatic efforts and challenges between 1919 and 1939, exploring key events and agreements during this period.
The Expansion of International Society
The text discusses the expansion of international society, highlighting the growth and interconnectedness of nations, cultures, and people globally. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing diversity in order to foster cooperation and mutual respect on a global scale.
Ottoman Diplomacy
In tne text "Ottoman Diplomacy," the Ottoman Empire's diplomatic practices are explored, focusing on their use of ambassadors, gifts, and protocol to maintain relationships with other powers. This diplomacy was essential to the empire's survival and success throughout its history.
Under the Wire: How the Telegraph Changed Diplomacy
Review by Geoff Berridge
Japanese middle-power diplomacy
In the realm of international relations, Japan engages in middle-power diplomacy, showcasing its influence and capabilities while fostering beneficial relationships on the global stage.
Politics and Diplomacy in Early Modern Italy: The structure of diplomatic practice, 1450-1800
This collection of essays, edited and well introduced by Daniela Frigo of the University of Trieste, reflects the comparatively recent rediscovery of interest in the diplomacy of their own peninsula by Italian historians. (The only non-Italian contributor is Christopher Storrs.) All of the essays are of a high standard and most contain much new research. Adrian Belton is, therefore, also to be congratulated for making them accessible to English readers by means of his excellent translation.
Peacemaking 1919
The message examines the peacemaking efforts of 1919, reflecting on the challenges faced during the time and lessons learned from the process.
King Cotton Diplomacy: Foreign Relations of the Confederate States of America
The text discusses the foreign relations strategy of the Confederate States of America known as King Cotton Diplomacy, which aimed to leverage the economic power of cotton to gain support from European nations during the Civil War.
A Manual of Greek Antiquities
Jevons and Gardner’s collaborative effort provides a fascinating glimpse into the fascinating world of ancient Greece, from its temples and sculptures to its social customs and religious practices.
Philosophy of Rhetoric
The author introduces a series of Essays on Rhetoric, explaining their origins and interconnection. This work has been a lifelong pursuit since 1750 and is structured based on a plan laid out in the first two chapters.
Post Cold War diplomatic training
Victor Shale's paper refers to a specific time period: the post-Cold War period which brought about new forms of conflicts, and high levels of terrorism. In the light of the change in traditional diplomacy, his paper examines multistakeholder diplomatic training and its importance as an approach in penetrating different cultures, and examines whether this approach could be used to minimise intractable conflicts.
The Turkish Embassy Letters
In "The Turkish Embassy Letters," the author describes her experiences during her stay in Turkey. She shares her observations on the culture, customs, and traditions of the Turkish people. Through her letters, she provides insight into the societal norms and interactions she encounters, offering a unique perspective on life in Turkey.
Documenting diplomacy, Evaluating documents: The case of the CSCE
Part of Language and Diplomacy (2001): Rather than individual documents, Dr Keith Hamilton looks at the process and purpose of compiling collections of documents. He focuses on his own experience as the editor of Documents on British Policy Overseas, and particularly on his work publishing a collection of documents concerning the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe from 1972 until 1975.
Bertie of Thame: Edwardian Ambassador
Explore the life of Bertie of Thame, an Edwardian ambassador, to gain insights into his diplomatic achievements and the impact he had on international relations during his time.
Munitions of the Mind: A history of propaganda from the ancient world to the present era
The text discusses how propaganda has been used throughout history, dating back to ancient times, up to the present era.
Negotiating with the Chinese Communists: The United States Experience, 1953-1967
The message provides a summary of the negotiation process with the Chinese Communists between 1953 and 1967, focusing on the United States' experience.
The Law of Nations or Principles of the Law of Nature Applied to the Conduct and Affairs of Nations and Sovereigns
The Law of Nations discusses principles of law applied to nations and sovereigns, guiding their conduct and affairs.
In Confidence: Moscow’s Ambassador to Six Cold War Presidents
The book "In Confidence: Moscow's Ambassador to Six Cold War Presidents" gives an inside look at diplomatic relations during the Cold War by sharing the experiences of Moscow's ambassador to the United States.
The post-modern state and the world order
1989 marked a break in European history. What happened in 1989 went beyond the events of 1789, 1815 or 1919. These dates, like 1989, stand for revolutions, the break-up of empires and the re-ordering of spheres of influence. But these changes took place within the established framework of the balance of power and the sovereign independent state. 1989 was different. In addition to the dramatic changes of that year – the revolutions and the re-ordering of alliances – it marked an underlying change in the European state system itself. To put it crudely, what happened in 1989 was not jus...
Diplomacy and Secret Service
Intelligence officers working under diplomatic protection are rarely out of the news for long, and the last two years have been no exception. How did the relationship between diplomacy and secret intelligence come about? What was the impact on it of the bureaucratization of secret intelligence that began in the late nineteenth century? Is diplomatic immunity the only reason why intelligence officers still cluster in embassies and consulates today? What do their diplomatic landlords think about their secret tenants and how do the spooks repay the ambassadors for their lodgings? These are among ...
US Public Diplomacy: A Cold War Success Story?
The post-'9/11' revival of interest in US public diplomacy encompasses a wide variety of opinions, all overwhelmingly critical.
An English Consul in Turkey: Paul Rycaut at Smyrna, 1667-1678
The text discusses the experiences of Paul Rycaut as an English Consul in Smyrna, Turkey, from 1667 to 1678. Rycaut successfully navigated the complex diplomatic and commercial landscape of the Ottoman Empire during his tenure, maintaining good relations with local authorities and overseeing trade agreements. His role as a mediator between European powers and the Ottomans was crucial in ensuring stability and cooperation in the region during this period.
A Diplomat in Japan
The first portion of this book was written at intervals between 1885 and 1887, during my tenure of the post of Her Majesty's minister at Bangkok. I had but recently left Japan after a residence extending, with two seasons of home leave, from September 1862 to the last days of December 1882, and my recollection of what had occurred during any part of those twenty years was still quite fresh. A diary kept almost uninterruptedly from the day I quitted home in November 1861 constituted the foundation, while my memory enabled me to supply additional details. It had never been my purpose to...
A History of the United Nations. Volume I: The Years of Western Domination 1945-1955
The United Nations was formed in 1945 with a focus on maintaining world peace and promoting cooperation among nations. Initially dominated by Western powers, the organization's structure and policies evolved over the years to address global challenges and represent a more diverse membership.
Regionalism in the Post-Cold War World
Regionalism in the Post-Cold War World emphasizes the shift towards regional cooperation and integration following the end of the Cold War. It discusses how national interests can align with regional cooperation and highlights the importance of regional organizations in addressing common challenges such as security, economic development, and environmental issues. Overall, it examines the evolving nature of regionalism in the contemporary global landscape.
The Parliament of Man: The Past, Present and Future of the United Nations
The United Nations, established in 1945, aims to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries worldwide. It provides a platform for global dialogue and decision-making on various issues, striving to uphold human rights and international law. While facing challenges and limitations, the UN continues to play a crucial role in addressing global challenges and advocating for a more peaceful and sustainable world.
International Diplomacy Volume I: Diplomatic Institutions
The message provides information related to international diplomacy found in "International Diplomacy Volume I: Diplomatic Institutions.
Ellsworth Bunker: Global Troubleshooter, Vietnam Hawk
The message focuses on the life and career of Ellsworth Bunker, depicting him as a global troubleshooter and a Vietnam Hawk.
Lady Mary Wortley Montagu: Comet of the Enlightenment
The text discusses Lady Mary Wortley Montagu's influential role in the Enlightenment period, emphasizing her advocacy for inoculation against smallpox. Her writings and personal experiences helped spread the practice across Europe and challenge prevailing medical beliefs.
Byzantium and Venice: A study in diplomatic and cultural relations
This book traces the diplomatic, cultural and commercial links between Constantinople and Venice from the foundation of the Venetian republic to the fall of the Byzantine Empire. It aims to show how, especially after the Fourth Crusade in 1204, the Venetians came to dominate first the Genoese and thereafter the whole Byzantine economy. At the same time the author points to those important cultural and, above all, political reasons why the relationship between the two states was always inherently unstable.
Diplomatic Classics: Selected texts from Commynes to Vattel
The message will focus on highlighting the importance of classic diplomatic texts from Commynes to Vattel in understanding diplomatic history and principles, fostering a deeper comprehension of international relations.
The Long Affair: Thomas Jefferson and the French Revolution
Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence (1776) and third president of the United States (1801-9), was one of the warmest and most influential American supporters of the French revolution. He had also been a diplomat. In fact, he had joined the American mission in France in 1784, and replaced Benjamin Franklin as minister in the following year. He witnessed the outbreak of the revolution in 1789 and was then appointed secretary of state by George Washington. This scintillating book by Conor Cruise O'Brien, himself a former diplomat, analyses the blossoming and slow - very sl...
Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities
The text discusses the distinctions between privileges, immunities, and facilities in the context of diplomatic relations. It explains how privileges exempt diplomats from certain laws, while immunities protect them from legal processes in the receiving state. Diplomatic facilities are provided to aid in the duties of diplomatic missions. The history of diplomatic privileges and immunities is traced from ancient times to modern diplomacy, highlighting the role these concepts play in international relations. The text also touches on the evolution of diplomatic practices, from the Renaissance to...
