A WORLD RESTORED

The period- 1812-1822- was marked by the diplomatic wizardry of Metternich, Talleyrand and Castlereagh, who reached their apotheosis at the Congress of Vienna; Napoleonic rule and the French Revolution had ended; the great powers of Europe, Russia, Prussia, Austria, France England- were in a turmoil of realignments, and with each seeking a stabilization to its own best advantage. Kissinger has analyzed the varied aspects of this crisis, showing the goals, purposes, methods, ideals which actuated the great powers, the precise political gains at stake, and the personal motivations of the rulers, leaders and their emissaries. The reconstruction performed by Kissinger astonishes the reader by its insight, perception and capacity to clarify the baffling incongruities of diplomatic tactics. The captious may say the style is plodding and perhaps unduly calculating but for the student of history and politics, this book will be truly a feast.