American Statesmen: Secretaries of State from John Jay to Colin Powell

The biographical dictionary provides neither a detailed narrative of US diplomatic history nor a comprehensive analysis of the foreign policies of the country, but because the secretary of state is legally charged with at least some responsibility for the actions of the US government as it pertains to foreign affairs, most of the important issues in US diplomatic history are discussed, and an introductory essays outlines US diplomatic history and foreign policy since Benjamin Franklin. The 65 biographical essays cite vital statistics and dates in office, then discuss upbringing and education, relations with other agencies of government, and the most important issues and events the secretaries dealt with. Each ends with a bibliographic essay on primary and secondary sources. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR