author
William C. (William Christian) Bullitt
1891–1967
A bold, globe-trotting figure in American public life, he moved between journalism, diplomacy, and fiction, and became best known as the first U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union. His career mixed high politics with sharp writing, giving his life the feel of a historical novel.
1 Audiobook
The Bullitt Mission to Russia Testimony before the Committee on Foreign Relations, United States Senate, of William C. Bullitt
by William C. (William Christian) Bullitt
About the author
Born in Philadelphia in 1891, he built an unusually varied career as a journalist, diplomat, and novelist. Early on he reported for the Philadelphia Public Ledger, then joined U.S. diplomacy during and after World War I, when he took part in major debates over relations with revolutionary Russia.
He is especially remembered for two high-profile ambassadorial posts: he became the first United States ambassador to the Soviet Union in 1933, and later served as ambassador to France. Alongside government service, he also wrote fiction and political works, which helped make him one of those public figures who seemed as comfortable with ideas and argument as with official ceremony.
Later writers have often described him as brilliant, energetic, and controversial in equal measure. He died in 1967, but he remains an interesting figure for listeners drawn to the human drama behind twentieth-century diplomacy.