Taylor and Francis

Taylor and Francis

English

'Women, Diplomacy and International Politics since 1500is gender history at its best. James and Sluga’s carefully edited collection brings together a range of highly skilled historians who have uncovered, or perhaps more precisely, recovered, the story of the power and influence of women diplomats across time and place. Through careful examination of the evidence, often found in unusual places, the chapters demonstrate women’s skill in negotiating high politics and their profound influence on course of diplomatic history – across the bounds of marriage, state and political expectations. The chapters are essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the path leading to contemporary international relations, and the central place of women’s agency as part of the journey.' Louise Chappell, University of NewSouth Wales, Australia 'Women, Diplomacy and International Politics since 1500 provides a fascinating historical analysis of the long-term presence of Western women in diplomatic roles. It convincingly counters the dominant historical narrative that asserts diplomacy as an exclusively masculine milieu. By examining women engaged in both official and "unofficial" diplomacy over a 500 year period, the book re-examines, redefines, and expands our understanding of the "diplomatic sphere".' Carolyn J. Eichner,University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA