A01=William T. Allison
Author_William T. Allison
Category=DNBH1
Category=DND
Category=NHD
eq_bestseller
eq_biography-true-stories
eq_history
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_nobargain
eq_non-fiction
World History: Politics and Government
Product details
- ISBN 9780275974749
- Weight: 624g
- Dimensions: 156 x 235mm
- Publication Date: 28 Feb 2002
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Hardback
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J. Butler Wright brought his young bride and son to Russia in the fall of 1916 to take up duties as counselor to the American Embassy in Petrograd. He had no idea that he would soon witness one of the most amazing events in history—the collapse of Imperial Russia and the advent of the Soviet Union. Recording daily events and observations in his diary, Wright left a vivid description of the day-to-day uncertainty in revolutionary Russia and American activities during this chaotic time. This account demonstrates how confused and dangerous diplomatic representation can be during times of crisis. While often missing the mark in what was happening in Russia, Wright and his fellow diplomats fulfilled their duty diligently.
From an official audience with the Tsar in early 1917 to a fantastic journey across Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway in 1918, Wright recorded his observations on events, people, culture, intrigue, danger, and the normal occurrences of daily life. Throughout it all, Wright remained dedicated to his duty as an American representative and constantly searched for an effective American reaction to what was happening in Russia. On a personal level, however, Wright's concern for the safety of his wife and son during this chaotic time reveals that it was not always about duty to country.
WILLIAM THOMAS ALLISON is Assistant Professor of History at Weber State University. He is the author of American Diplomats in Russia: Case Studies in Orphan Diplomacy, 1916-1919 (Praeger, 1997).
