| Elihu Washburne: The Diary and Letters of America's Minister to France During the Siege and Commune of Paris Contributor(s): Hill, Michael (Author), McCullough, David (Foreword by) |
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ISBN: 145166530X ISBN-13: 9781451665307 Publisher: Simon & Schuster OUR PRICE: $17.99 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: November 2013 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Biography & Autobiography | Historical - History | Europe - France - History | United States - 19th Century |
| Dewey: B |
| Physical Information: 0.79" H x 5.24" W x 8.19" (0.58 lbs) 288 pages |
| Themes: - Cultural Region - French - Chronological Period - 19th Century |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The inspiring, little-known diary and letters of American diplomat Elihu Washburne, who gallantly provided vital support to his countrymen and other nationals during the brutal Siege of Paris and Paris Commune. This is the remarkable and inspiring story--told largely in his own words--of American diplomat Elihu Washburne, who heroically aided his countrymen and other foreign nationals when Paris was devastated by war and the ensuing ravages of the Commune. Elihu Washburne was appointed minister to France by President Grant in 1869, arriving in Europe shortly before the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War. He stayed at his post even as the Prussian army laid siege to Paris, and afterward when the revolutionaries of the Commune embarked on a reign of terror that filled the streets with blood. He was witness to countless acts of unspeakable desperation and violence, and yet he remained, at great risk to his own life, to protect American citizens and others as best he could. Michael Hill provides essential background and historical context to the excerpts, which are drawn from the original manuscript sources. Filled with political and military insight, Washburne's writings tell the tale of an American hero rising to greatness in the midst of difficult and extraordinary times. |
Contributor Bio(s): Hill, Michael: - Michael Hill worked in politics and government before establishing himself as an independent historical researcher. He was a co-producer for Ken Burns's The Civil War series for PBS, a coordinating producer for the Baseball series, and served as a historical consultant for the HBO production of David McCullough's John Adams. He lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia.McCullough, David: - David McCullough has twice received the Pulitzer Prize, for Truman and John Adams, and twice received the National Book Award, for The Path Between the Seas and Mornings on Horseback. His other acclaimed books include The Johnstown Flood, The Great Bridge, Brave Companions, 1776, The Greater Journey, The American Spirit, and The Wright Brothers. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award. Visit DavidMcCullough.com. |