Richard Gardner's book about his time as ambassador to Italy during my administration is a dramatic, accurate account of one of the most difficult and successful diplomatic missions in the history of the Cold War.

former president Jimmy Carter

An exemplary and fascinating story not only of an American intellectual and scholar in Italy, but also of one of the most complex periods in the political life of our country and of Europe.

Francesco Cossiga, former Italian president and prime minister

Richard Gardner's account of those years, nourished by his personal records and by previously unpublished documents, helps us to better understand the greatness and smallness of Italian leaders of those times and the role played by the United States on the delicate boundary between an unavoidable active interest and an interference it wished to avoid. Portraits and analyses are presented with great effectiveness.

Giuliano Amato, former Italian prime minister

Richard Gardner's memoir of a crucial time in U.S. relations with Italy is both an enthralling story and a significant contribution to the history of the Cold War.

Arthur Schlesinger Jr., Pulitzer-prize winning historian

I feel I have traveled at Gardner's side through a stirring period of history. That he is able to assemble such detailed recollections has my special admiration and, take my word for it, there is no account of American diplomacy like his.

Henry Graff, professor emeritus of history, Columbia University

This is an engaging and highly readable book which throws light upon U.S. foreign policy during the Carter administration.

Political Studies Review