Elihu Washburne: The Diary and Letters of America's Minister to France During the Siege and Commune of Paris

Hill, a historical researcher and frequent assistant to historian David McCullough, examines one of France's most tumultuous periods through the firsthand account of Elihu Washburne, then American minister to France. In diary entries, letters, and diplomatic dispatches, Washburne%E2%80%94 the only foreign diplomat to remain at his post during the turbulent events of 1870-1871%E2%80%94recounts the Prussians' siege of Paris during the final months of the Franco-Prussian War, which in turn led to the brief, violent uprising known as the Commune. Hill further explores his subject's early life and career both pre- and post-Paris, depicting Washburne as an American patriot, political mover and shaker, and man of accomplishments. Hill implies that Washburne, who felt it his duty to remain in Paris, endured separation from his family, illness, and danger not only to represent the United States but also to assist many other foreign nationals residing or trapped in the city. The combination of eyewitness accounts and Hill's own commentary provides a cohesive, intriguing picture of the desperate, bloody months. However, despite talking about starvation and slaughter, refugees and revolution, the book still feels dispassionate and detached, robbing it of its full impact. (Nov)