Oversized edition of this intriguing book, full of illustrations. Entire book is heavy paper. Just gorgeous. A moving account of 250 years of courageous women who formed the backbone of the British foreign service, accompanying their husbands to posts far from home, bringing English customs with them. Social history combined with biography makes this book about diplomatic wives from the 17th through the 20th century both intimate and global in perspective. The result is a book highly praised for its intriguing storytelling. One reviewer said Emma Hamilton and Vita Sackville-West are upstaged by stories from the unfamous women, as Hickman focuses on the experiences of people we've not heard from before. Their own letters and journals give them voice, and Hickman gives their stories scholarly context.  Ted Smart. 2001. Hb, Dj. NEW. $15.00