Witness to Revolution: The Russian Revolution Diary and Letters of J. Butler Wright (Praeger Studies in Diplomacy and Strategic Thought)

William T. Allison

ISBN 10: 027597474X / ISBN 13: 9780275974749

Published by Praeger (UK), 2002

About this Item

J. Butler Wright brought his bride and son to Russia in 1916 to take up duties as counsellor to the American Embassy in Petrograd. He had no idea he would witness the collapse of Imperial Russia and the advent of the Soviet Union. This work provides extracts from his diary and letters. Series: Praeger Studies in Diplomacy & Strategic Thought. Num Pages: 288 pages, 1, black & white illustrations. BIC Classification: 1DVUA; BGHA; BJ; HBJD; HBLW. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational; (UP) Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly; (UU) Undergraduate. Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20. Weight in Grams: 591. . 2002. Illustrated. hardcover. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Seller Inventory # V9780275974749

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Witness to Revolution: The Russian Revolution Diary and Letters of J. Butler Wright (Praeger Studies in Diplomacy and Strategic Thought)
• Publisher: Praeger (UK)
• Publication Date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 027597474X
• ISBN 13: 9780275974749
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

J. Butler Wright brought his young bride and son to Russia in the fall of 1916 to take up duties as counselor to the American Embassy in Petrograd. He had no idea that he would soon witness one of the most amazing events in history―the collapse of Imperial Russia and the advent of the Soviet Union. Recording daily events and observations in his diary, Wright left a vivid description of the day-to-day uncertainty in revolutionary Russia and American activities during this chaotic time. This account demonstrates how confused and dangerous diplomatic representation can be during times of crisis. While often missing the mark in what was happening in Russia, Wright and his fellow diplomats fulfilled their duty diligently.

From an official audience with the Tsar in early 1917 to a fantastic journey across Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway in 1918, Wright recorded his observations on events, people, culture, intrigue, danger, and the normal occurrences of daily life. Throughout it all, Wright remained dedicated to his duty as an American representative and constantly searched for an effective American reaction to what was happening in Russia. On a personal level, however, Wright's concern for the safety of his wife and son during this chaotic time reveals that it was not always about duty to country.

About the Author

WILLIAM THOMAS ALLISON is Assistant Professor of History at Weber State University. He is the author of American Diplomats in Russia: Case Studies in Orphan Diplomacy, 1916-1919 (Praeger, 1997).