In 'The Ambassador,' Susan Ronald unveils the thrilling true story of the enigmatic William Lyon Mackenzie King and his complex role in global diplomacy during World War II. With the backdrop of a world torn apart by conflict, King navigates through the treacherous waters of politics, espionage, and personal sacrifice. This gripping narrative reveals how one man's ambition and intuition influenced pivotal decisions that shaped the course of history. Ronald intricately weaves historical events with King’s personal struggles, offering a captivating glimpse into the mind of a leader caught in a web of alliances and betrayal. Will King emerge as the hero of his own story, or will he be overwhelmed by the very forces he sought to control?
By Susan Ronald
Published: 2021
""In the intricate dance of diplomacy, the most powerful weapon is not a declaration of war, but the quiet strength of resilience and the art of listening.""
Acclaimed biographer Susan Ronald reveals the truth about Joseph P. Kennedy's deeply controversial tenure as Ambassador to Great Britain on the eve of World War II. On February 18, 1938, Joseph P. Kennedy was sworn in as US Ambassador to the Court of St. James. To say his appointment to the most prestigious and strategic diplomatic post in the world shocked the Establishment was an understatement: known for his profound Irish roots and staunch Catholicism, not to mention his “plain-spoken” opinions and womanizing, he was a curious choice as Europe hurtled toward war. Initially welcomed by the British, in less than two short years Kennedy was loathed by the White House, the State Department and the British Government. Believing firmly that Fascism was the inevitable wave of the future, he consistently misrepresented official US foreign policy internationally as well as direct instructions from FDR himself. The Americans were the first to disown him and the British and the Nazis used Kennedy to their own ends. Through meticulous research and many newly available sources, Ronald confirms in impressive detail what has long been believed by many: that Kennedy was a Fascist sympathizer and an anti-Semite whose only loyalty was to his family's advancement. She also reveals the ambitions of the Kennedy dynasty during this period abroad, as they sought to enter the world of high society London and establish themselves as America’s first family. Thorough and utterly readable, The Ambassador explores a darker side of the Kennedy patriarch in an account sure to generate attention and controversy.
Susan Ronald is an acclaimed author known for her engaging historical narratives and biographical works. Her notable titles include 'Agatha Christie: A Biography', 'The Pirate Queen: In Search of Grace O'Malley', and 'Heretic: The Life and Death of the Acclaimed Author and Activist Marjorie S. H. Hutton'. Ronald's writing style is characterized by meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and a deep understanding of her subjects, bringing forgotten voices of history to life for contemporary readers.
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“"In the intricate dance of diplomacy, the most powerful weapon is not a declaration of war, but the quiet strength of resilience and the art of listening."”
The Ambassador
By Susan Ronald
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