Diplomatic Gifts: A History in Fifty Presents

Gifts have been an integral part of international relations since ancient times, serving as tokens of friendship, apology, or authority. They can also be used as taunts, bribes, or tricks. Brummell's book explores fifty diplomatic gifts given through the ages, demonstrating the complexity of this political art and its exercise in brand-building for the giver. Examples include Byzantine emperors sending fragments of the True Cross, Kings Louis XV and XVI of France using Sèvres porcelain, and Ottoman sultans favoring robes of honor. The Amarna Letters, dating to around 1350 BCE, record a communication from Hittite Prince Zita to the Egyptian Pharaoh offering sixteen men in return for some gold. This rich history offers a new take on both the curious detail and the grand spectacle of global politics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2022
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Since ancient times, gifts have played a significant role in international relations, serving various purposes such as expressing friendship, apologizing, or demonstrating authority. They can also be used as taunts, bribes, boasts, or tricks. However, the execution of gifts can sometimes go awry, as evidenced by the 2013 incident where Mali's gift of a camel to French President François Hollande reportedly ended up in a tagine.

To delve into the intricate world of diplomatic gifts, author Brummell examines fifty remarkable examples from history. These gifts showcase the complexity of this political art, serving as a means for individuals or nations to build their brands and reputation. Byzantine emperors, for instance, sent fragments of the True Cross to fellow Christian rulers across Europe, while Kings Louis XV and XVI of France used Sèvres porcelain. On the other hand, the Ottoman sultans favored robes of honor.

In some cases, recipients have openly expressed their desired gifts. The Amarna Letters, dating back to around 1350 BCE, contain a communication from Hittite Prince Zita to the Egyptian Pharaoh, offering sixteen men in exchange for gold. This exchange highlights the transactional nature of gift-giving in ancient times.

Throughout history, there have been iconic gifts that have left a lasting impact. The Trojan Horse, Cleopatras Needle, and the Statue of Liberty are just a few examples. These gifts symbolize both the curious details and the grand spectacle of global politics. They serve as reminders of the complex relationships and power dynamics that shape international relations.

In conclusion, gifts have played a vital role in international relations throughout history, serving as tokens of friendship, apology, or authority. They can be used for both positive and negative purposes, and their execution often reflects the complex nature of global politics. By examining the history of diplomatic gifts, we can gain a fresh perspective on the intricate details and grand spectacles that shape our world.

Weight: 876g
Dimension: 171 x 240 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787386457