Statesman of Europe
- 752 stránek
- 27 hodin čtení
"The lamps are going out all over Europe. We shall not see them lit again in our life-time." These words by Sir Edward Grey, Britain's longest-serving Foreign Secretary, mark a poignant moment at the end of August 1914, symbolizing the twilight of the nineteenth-century world. This biography explores the three decades leading up to the First World War through Grey's life, relying heavily on archival sources to provide a comprehensive account of key domestic and international events, as well as influential personalities of the era. It offers new insights into the approach to war in the critical months before its outbreak and Grey's significant role in these unfolding events. However, Grey's life extended beyond public affairs. He preferred the tranquility of his family estate in Northumberland to the hustle of London and lacked the ambition typical of his contemporaries. He diligently managed his responsibilities as director of the Great North Eastern Railway, a transformative enterprise of the time, while cherishing moments spent fishing. Besides his memoirs, he authored only one book, The Charm of Birds, reflecting his deep appreciation for nature. This rich personal background informed his judgments and endeared him to his peers. This biography serves as the definitive account of a pivotal figure in European diplomacy and a vivid portrayal of a significant historical era.









