Accidental Encounters with History: And Some Lessons Learned [Hardcover]

Lincoln Palmer Bloomfield (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 25, 2005

Through a linked series of highly personal essays on foreign affairs and the world scene, Lincoln Bloomfield draws on his extraordinary career during the past half century.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A rare bird in the foreign-policy aviary, Bloomfield's book is really first-rate, thoughtful and well-argued, well-written, and fun. -- Harlan Cleveland, author, former Assistant Secretary of State, US Ambassador to NATO, President of University of Hawaii

Bloomfield's account of events shaping the last half of the 20th century teach how decisions are made and their consequences. -- Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State

Lincoln Bloomfield gives the reader insights into the high events, historical forces and human foibles of the past half century. -- Walter Truett Anderson, President, World Academy of Art and Science

Take an enjoyable stroll with one of our finest foreign affairs professionals through the pathways of the world. -- Georgie Anne Geyer, Syndicated Columnist, author of Guerrilla Prince: The Untold Story of Fidel Castro

From the Inside Flap

"Part diplomatic history, part travelogue, part memoir, Accidental Encounters with History is fascinating. In the course of a distinguished career in government service and academia, Linc Bloomfield has been involved in many of the major events of the past sixty years. One of his greatest contributions was creating sophisticated "gaming" techniques that made real for senior government officials and the high priests of nuclear theology the devastating consequences of misunderstanding and miscalculation. Accidental Encounters with History is a testament to Bloomfield’s relentless efforts to help all of us better understand the world." (Mitchell B. Reiss, former director, State Department Policy Planning Staff ) Through a linked series of highly personal essays on foreign affairs and the world scene, Bloomfield draws on his extraordinary career during the past half century. His lively "encounters" are first-hand—often anecdotal— experiences in the State Department, as a White House staff member, a professor at MIT, and being on the lecture platform in thirty-five countries. Two themes run throughout the book: a deep interest in governance through bureaucracies; and his quest for greater rationality in foreign affairs. Thus, he provides us with vital lessons to improve international relations for a better world. The author's wit combined with knowledge, results in a truly enjoyable read.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Hot House Press (October 25, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097552450X
• ISBN-13: 978-0975524503
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,062,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars US diplomacy in person, September 17, 2006

By 

Sandy Culver - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Accidental Encounters with History: And Some Lessons Learned (Hardcover)

This engaging book moves the reader through the author's lengthy and productive diplomatic and academic career from the 1940s to the present, all presented with personal candor and humor. With great style and insight, the book provides a fascinating look at how US foreign policy has evolved.

5.0 out of 5 stars The unbelievable world of policy making, July 13, 2006

By 

ubaldo dibenedetto "book sniffer" (Boston, Ma) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Accidental Encounters with History: And Some Lessons Learned (Hardcover)

This book, Accidental En counters with History, is a good read. Here's someone with the analytical eye of a political scientist and the experience in world affairs sought after by heads of states (including President Carter) who finally looks back some of the major events shaping our lives. Most revealing is how the decisions affecting those events are made. And these are both fascinating and, yes, even shocking, for what often matters most inside the Beltway is to keep the boss with the feeling that his ideas are unflawed.

Ubaldo DiBenedetto
Harvard University SCE

4.0 out of 5 stars A Serious Subject Taught with Wonderful Humor, June 29, 2006

By 

Margaret Hendrick (Chester, Virginia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Accidental Encounters with History: And Some Lessons Learned (Hardcover)

This personal account is like a charming travelogue through the recent history of our nation's foreign policy. Lincoln Bloomfield helps those of us who are novices better understand the complexities of policy and decision making. His humorous asides often made me laugh out loud. Best of all, he gives the reader real hope that rationality and logic can be brought to the table when defining and implementing international policies. He describes the process that he has devised and utilized that could help bring about a more peaceful world. I wish our current national leaders would read this book!