The Incidental Oriental Secretary and Other Tales of Foreign Service

This memoir of a US diplomat attempts to capture the humor and sheer incongruity of working across cultures in an international career spanning diplomacy and education. Written in a light hearted tone, it also delves into tragic consequences in countries such as Somalia, Libya and Greece.

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This memoir attempts to capture the humor and sheer incongruity of working across cultures in an international career spanning diplomacy and education. Written in a light hearted tone, it also delves into tragic consequences in countries such as Somalia, Libya and Greece. While critical in many respects of US foreign policy, it also hopes to attract adventurous young men and women of today's generation to possible careers in diplomacy. The author uses humor and anecdote to highlight the monumental changes in the world environment and practice of diplomacy in the short space of a single career.

The book features cover art and interior sketches by Eliza Jackson.