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Madeleine Korbel Albright

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Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box Hardcover – September 29, 2009

by Madeleine Albright (Author)

912 ratings

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“Jewelry isn’t ordinarily a tool of political persuasion, but in this beautiful book, Madeleine Albright, American ambassador to the United Nations and then the nation’s first female secretary of state, tells the compelling story of how these small objects became part of her ‘personal diplomatic arsenal.’” — The Chicago Tribune

From New York Times bestselling author and former secretary of state Madeleine Albright, Read My Pins is a story and celebration of how one woman’s jewelry collection was used to make diplomatic history.

Part illustrated memoir, part social history, Read My Pins provides an intimate look at Albright's life through the brooches she wore. Her collection is both international and democratic—dime-store pins share pride of place with designer creations and family heirlooms. Included are the antique eagle purchased to celebrate Albright's appointment as secretary of state, the zebra pin she wore when meeting Nelson Mandela, and the Valentine's Day heart forged by Albright's five-year-old daughter. Read My Pins features more than 200 photographs, along with compelling and often humorous stories about jewelry, global politics, and the life of one of America's most accomplished and fascinating diplomats.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Before long, and without intending it, I found that jewelry had become part of my personal diplomatic arsenal. Former president George H. W. Bush had been known for saying "Read my lips." I began urging colleagues and reporters to "Read my pins."

It would never have happened if not for Saddam Hussein. When U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright criticized the dictator, his poet in residence responded by calling her "an unparalleled serpent." Shortly thereafter, while preparing to meet with Iraqi officials, Albright pondered: What to wear? She decided to make a diplomatic statement by choosing a snake pin. Although her method of communication was new, her message was as old as the American Revolution—Don't Tread on Me.

From that day forward, pins became part of Albright's diplomatic signature. International leaders were pleased to see her with a shimmering sun on her jacket or a cheerful ladybug; less so with a crab or a menacing wasp. Albright used pins to emphasize the importance of a negotiation, signify high hopes, protest the absence of progress, and show pride in representing America, among other purposes.

Part illustrated memoir, part social history, Read My Pins provides an intimate look at Albright's life through the brooches she wore. Her collection is both international and democratic—dime-store pins share pride of place with designer creations and family heirlooms. Included are the antique eagle purchased to celebrate Albright's appointment as secretary of state, the zebra pin she wore when meeting Nelson Mandela, and the Valentine's Day heart forged by Albright's five-year-old daughter. Read My Pins features more than 200 photographs, along with compelling and often humorous stories about jewelry, global politics, and the life of one of America's most accomplished and fascinating diplomats.

About the Author

Madeleine Albright served as America’s sixty-fourth secretary of state from 1997 to 2001. Her distinguished career also included positions at the White House, on Capitol Hill, and as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. She was a resident of Washington D.C., and Virginia.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 29, 2009
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0060899182
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0060899189
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.15 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.75 x 10.25 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #46,436 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #24 in International Diplomacy (Books)
- #226 in Political Leader Biographies
- #538 in Women's Biographies
Customer Reviews:
912 ratings

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Madeleine Korbel Albright

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Madeleine Albright is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Madam Secretary, The Mighty and the Almighty, Memo to the President, and Read My Pins. She was U.S. Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001. Her distinguished career of public service includes positions in the National Security Council, as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and on Capitol Hill.

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912 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book engaging and well-written, with many photos included in close-up detail. Moreover, they appreciate its historical value, with one customer noting how it provides a fascinating look at world politics through Albright's diplomatic journeys. Additionally, the book receives positive feedback for its collection of pins, with customers noting how it tells stories about the givers of the pins, and for its portrayal of Albright as a brilliant and powerful woman. The writing style is clear and easy to read, making it perfect for jewelry collectors.

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Readability Photos quality History value Pins Female character Insight Jewelry collection Writing quality

215 customers mention "Readability"211 positive4 negative

Customers find the book interesting and fun to read, with one mentioning it's a short but enjoyable book.

"...Great book." Read more

"An amazing record of this historic icon. An easy and interesting read. A colorful walk through history while viewing her amazing pin collection." Read more

"Ordered on 3/6, on it's way 3/9 and it arrived 3/27! But it is beautiful and in perfect condition! Thank You!" Read more

"Got this on Kindle for 99 cents. Kind of a fun read but not worth more than what I paid...." Read more

46 customers mention "Photos quality"36 positive10 negative

Customers appreciate the photos in the book, which include many close-up details of the pins.

"...There are pictures and historical information as to when they were worn and the designers who made them." Read more

"...Great book and lovely photography." Read more

"...But, I am really enjoying the great pictures and the stories that go with them...." Read more

"...The single-page Kindle formatting also puts photo captions in odd places, thereby disrupting the intended flow of her otherwise delightful narrative..." Read more

45 customers mention "History value"42 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the historical value of the book, describing it as a fascinating way to look at history and a historical pictorial, with one customer noting it provides a very human look at political history.

"This book has it all--history, art, intrigue, optimism, politics, sensitivity and beauty...." Read more

"An amazing record of this historic icon. An easy and interesting read. A colorful walk through history while viewing her amazing pin collection." Read more

"...When I saw this book by an intelligent, important lady in government, AND she collected pins and used them quite strategically actually, I just had..." Read more

"this is a wonderful book. a mix of history and one woman's passion for unique jewelry.she was gifted most, bought some, but all have a story to..." Read more

39 customers mention "Pins"39 positive0 negative

Customers love the book's focus on pins, appreciating how they tell stories about their givers and find the collections fascinating.

"...I could not help but wonder how she stores all of these wonderful pins, but the book does not give you a clue!..." Read more

"...Quite the story. Loved the history behind the pins." Read more

"...A colorful walk through history while viewing her amazing pin collection." Read more

"...It is beautifully done & has such interesting stories about various pins in her collection. I hated to put the book down once I started reading it...." Read more

35 customers mention "Female character"35 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the female character in the book, describing her as a powerful and brilliant woman.

"...She's an amazing woman with such diverse tastes in pins which she cleverly used during her tour as Secretary of State." Read more

"...Everyone loves reading all about this powerful woman and her pins." Read more

"...really into jewelry so I think she likes hearing the stories of a great woman and how she built her collection." Read more

"Madeline is such a fascinating woman! I love vintage brooches and I own a few so I really enjoyedseeing her collection at the BAM. Love the book=]" Read more

34 customers mention "Insight"34 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and intelligent, with one customer noting its thorough research.

"...It is a very interesting and informative book and I would certainly recommend it for purchase to enhance anyone's library or as a gift for a..." Read more

"Combining positive words and beautiful pictures regarding politics is an achievement in itself...." Read more

"Fascinating insight into part of the world of Madeleine Albright, one of the best Secretary of States the USA has had in recent memory...." Read more

"Always liked this lady ... intelligent, honest and was a great secretary of State ... I hated the way she was often maligned and critiqued for her..." Read more

25 customers mention "Jewelry collection"25 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the jewelry collection in the book, with many noting it's perfect for collectors and describing it as a wonderful exhibit at a local museum.

"...wore not only some amazing Designer jewelry, but also Fashion jewelry...." Read more

"...I'm told it is a very nice used copy." Read more

"...The display of all the actual pins is a fascinating viewing...." Read more

"...The piece that said so much to me about this lady was the amethyst and diamond pin and its story shared toward the end of the book." Read more

20 customers mention "Writing quality"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read, describing it as a quick read with clear explanations.

"An amazing record of this historic icon. An easy and interesting read. A colorful walk through history while viewing her amazing pin collection." Read more

"...What an original notion! It was a quick read with lots of illustrations. I would recommend this book to anyone I thought might be interested." Read more

"Xlnt book, well written and perfect for the brooch collection I am making for my granddaughter...." Read more

"Easy read and interesting. I enjoyed learning some things about Madeline Albright and the character of the woman. Insightful read." Read more

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MR Gunnison
Pins tell a story
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2025
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Purchased as a gift after reading it myself. Quite the story. Loved the history behind the pins.

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karen j. davidson
Her pins reflect her career
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2025
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An amazing record of this historic icon. An easy and interesting read. A colorful walk through history while viewing her amazing pin collection.

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BARBARA F. AMES
Check your jewelry box!
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2010
Verified Purchase
I had always been curious about the pins that Mme. Albright wore in her public appearances, so I was quite delighted to read of parts of her collection being exhibited. Then, when her book was published, I had to purchase it. This is a great little book and gives one the opportunity to see into the mind of a very smart woman, who was able to make a point simply by wearing a pin. Reading the book offers a great deal of insight into her role as Secretary of State, and into her personality. I loved reading about where she got some of her jewelry and was surprised to learn that we actually shared some similar taste. Great book for all to read......it got me started on wearing my collection of pins which had been hibernating for many years.

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3 people found this helpful

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Cathy
IMPRESSIVE LADY - INTERESTING STORIES ABOUT HER PINS - PRETTY PHOTOS
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2022
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I am a collector of vintage 'brooches' for 50 years and love them. When I saw this book by an intelligent, important lady in government, AND she collected pins and used them quite strategically actually, I just had to read it and see the items. The stories are interesting, the photography is excellent and I read it in about 1 hour, spending most of my time just looking at the photos! I got it for a good price, quality condition hard cover book with the duster and it's a keeper in my book collection now. Also shows that a woman's physical beauty, or lack thereof, has nothing to do with intelligence and importance and power...!

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4 people found this helpful

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CT Carol
Enjoyable
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2017
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed the thoughts of the author regarding her large pin collection. Many of them are very beautiful. She explained those that had been gifts and where she shopped. I thought some were overwhelmingly large, but given the scrutiny she was given, still entirely appropriate.

My mother was a hospital nurse at a time when white starched uniforms were required. Yet my mother had a lovely small collection of pins that were her sole accessory at work. I guess talking with my mother about those pins gave me an affinity for them and contributed to my delight in seeing Secretary Albright's collection.

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12 people found this helpful

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Nancy Jane
Beauty and History Lesson
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2012
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Combining positive words and beautiful pictures regarding politics is an achievement in itself. Madeline Albright is a very down-to-earth person who tells her story in a way that is like listening to a good friend. The evolution of the pins she wears, how she would decide which to wear in different situations, and how the collection grew are an easy and enjoyable read.

You can read some of it, pick it up later for a few more pages and enjoy each picture and story in an easy relaxed way.

The display of all the actual pins is a fascinating viewing. There is everything from famous jewelers, good costume pieces, hand-made creations, antiques, and a clay from her daughter when she was 5-years-old. It is worth going to see the traveling exhibit.

And you will like Madeline no matter what you think of politics.

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4 people found this helpful

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Linda
Wonderful story of Madame Albright's pins
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2024
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This story was a delight. I loved th

is woman and that which she represented for our country. Her pins gave us one of many ways to remember her.

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pateiwah whitefeather hawk
purrrfect tease
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2009
Verified Purchase
this is a wonderful book.
a mix of history and one woman's passion for unique jewelry.she was gifted most, bought some, but all have a story to them.
in her own words 'A LITTLE BIT OF POLITICS WITH A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR'
bees,butterflys,my favorite a dragon,all unique pieces. most were from heads of state, who learned of her passion for these.it fast became a custom to gift her one, when she went to another country doing her job.
definitely a conversation starter. will look good on your coffee table or anywhere you want to lose yourself in it.
great gift - we got this for a ladies birthday gift and liked it so much we got another for us.

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leila vm
Bom texto, fotos pouco nítidas
Reviewed in Brazil on February 5, 2018
Verified Purchase

Gostei muito do texto. Gosto de história e acho interessante ler relatos pessoais. No caso, uma ex-diplomata e ex-secretária de estado de um dos países mais poderosos do mundo tem muito a contar, embora o foco seja nos broches que coleciona e o uso diplomático que fez deles. Ótima percepção. Linda a história do broche 'Katrina'. O que não gostei: da qualidade das fotos na edição eletrônica do livro. Embora nas considerações finais e agradecimentos a autora tenha elogiado a qualidade das fotos e o fotógrafo, não é possível percebê-lo. Às vezes se questiona porque comprar livros tradicionais versus eletrônicos. Quando se trata de fotografias, o Kindle não é apropriado. Lamentei não poder ver as fotos em detalhes.

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Amir
Ottimo libro per chi la conosce
Reviewed in Italy on April 4, 2021
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Buona qualità

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larkfield
Most enjoyable read 'where her pins/brooches tell some interesting stories'
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 10, 2016
Verified Purchase
I have always noticed the unusual pins/ brooches worn by M.Albright and was pleased to hear during a TV interview that more meaning is attached to many of them than most might imagine She had written a book about them - so quickly I ordered her book there and then.

I was not disappointed- beautiful photographs, friendly prose. These pins takes you on a journey through her political and personal life and I found the whole book most interesting and MA a most intriguing person.

A book you can lift up at any time for a quick read - one pin, one story. I can recommend it well as I learned a lot about the sharp art of diplomacy during her meetings with some of the less cooperative people in some of the world's most uncooperative countries she visited along the way. The causes and events during US politics during her time from a most interesting angle.

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Michel Frising
good condition
Reviewed in Canada on June 23, 2021
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book in good condition

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Carolyn Dixon
shared collector
Reviewed in Canada on May 6, 2020
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Interest in author

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Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box Hardcover – September 29, 2009

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4.0 out of 5 stars Bom texto, fotos pouco nítidas

5.0 out of 5 stars Ottimo libro per chi la conosce

5.0 out of 5 stars Most enjoyable read 'where her pins/brooches tell some interesting stories'

5.0 out of 5 stars good condition

5.0 out of 5 stars shared collector

Bom texto, fotos pouco nítidas

Ottimo libro per chi la conosce

Most enjoyable read 'where her pins/brooches tell some interesting stories'

good condition

shared collector