British Diplomats and Diplomacy, 1688-1800

This is a comprehensive discussion of British diplomats and diplomacy in the formative period in which Britain emerged as the leading world power. Jeremy Black uses the issue of diplomatic representation to discuss the professionalism of British government, the nature of patronage and the degree to which Britain should be seen in this period as moving towards a more modern and bureaucratic system. Supported by quotations from their letters, the book focuses on a group of individuals in order to provide an understanding of the capabilities of British foreign policy and examines British diplomats and diplomacy in the context of the situation in other countries.