Is a diplomat’s life really as glamorous as a royal visit, or as dramatic as a coup d’état in Turkey? Leigh Turner is a former British ambassador who held posts in Ukraine, Turkey and Austria. In this witty globe-trotting adventure through one of the most intriguing careers a person can have, Leigh relates his interactions with royalty of both the aristocratic and celebrity kinds, and with brilliant and extraordinary people who bestowed valuable lessons. Offering astute reflections on Brexit, Russia’s war with Ukraine and the chaos of modern politics, he sheds new light on the intricacies of modern statecraft, including what we all can learn from a good diplomat or ambassador. In this entertaining and accessible first-hand account, you’ll discover how diplomats really work with spies, how immunity allows killers to escape justice, how Russia broke up the Soviet Union and then nursed its resentment at the consequences -- and how to throw, and be invited to, a great cocktail party. "Guaranteed to teach you something you did not already know, Lessons in Diplomacy is a book, unexpectedly, for all, Whether you find yourself in diplomatic peril on a posting and need a guide, or fancy infiltrating the complex world of diplomacy through the sagacious words of Leigh Turner, let learning take you to this book." Nouse "Leigh Turner examines the nature of true diplomacy from a global perspective, and emphasises how important it is, especially today. And he describes how hope and hard work are essential if we are to keep going during these dark times. An insightful and powerful book." the late Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder, Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace "Leigh Turner is a diplomat’s diplomat, who has always balanced serious professionalism with deep compassion, humanity and humour. He is not one to get stuck behind a desk, and this lively, readable account is a compelling case for why adventurous, creative diplomacy is needed more than ever. It will be enjoyed by practitioners, future diplomats, and anyone with an interest in how statecraft works, and the pace at which it is changing. It's lively, often hilarious, always perceptive. Highly recommended." Tom Fletcher, Hertford College and former foreign policy advisor and author of The Naked Diplomat "Fascinating insights from a well-informed source. Informative, thought-provoking and fun." Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal President of Austria "It’s rare that the worlds of diplomacy and rock’n’roll bump into each other but when they do, it’s reassuring to know how much we are alike. Leigh Turner rocks!" Roger Glover, Deep Purple "Packed with insights, wise advice, and witty anecdotes from a lifetime at the sharp end of diplomacy. Leigh is a master of the trade." Sir Laurie Bristow KCMG, University of Cambridge "Anecdote, drama and life lessons skilfully woven into a great read." Barbara Nadel, writer "Insightful and compelling... Ambassador Turner is an extraordinary raconteur whose book is a masterclass in diplomacy." Ayesha Riyaz, former ambassador of Pakistan "Fantastic insights from one of the most effective diplomats I have ever met." Angus Robertson MSP "Insightful narrative on how political leaders and diplomatic statecraft shape geopolitics, challenges to effective diplomacy and its human footprint." Renu Pall, former Indian ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organisations in Vienna "Turner’s elegant memoir is given a sharp contemporary edge by the lessons he teases out along the way." Dame Denise Holt DCMG, Former British Ambassador to Spain and Mexico "A highly entertaining picture of a varied career – with real human insights both for diplomats and leaders more generally." Neil McMillan CMG, ex-diplomat and public servant. "Required reading for anyone considering a career in diplomacy" Stephen Curtis, London Metropolitan University "Entertaining, instructive and absorbing: an excellent insight into the professional and personal challenges and excitements of being a diplomat." Stephen Wall, former ambassador to the European Union "Entertaining insights into decades of diplomacy, from the 20th to the 21st centuries, in hotspots ranging from Moscow and Kyiv to Hong Kong and Shanghai." Marc Elsberg, author of international bestselling novel Blackout "Diplomacy is badly misunderstood and undervalued. Leigh Turner’s book not only entertains and surprises – it also challenges your preconceptions." Catherine Royle, NATO Political Advisor and former Ambassador "Amusing anecdotes from diplomatic life are always a good read, but Leigh Turner adds depth, intelligence and serious commentary. This is an insightful as well as a most readable account." Matthew Parris, writer and broadcaster "Interested in the nuts and bolts (and steely screwdrivers and painful pliers) of diplomacy? Try Leigh Turner's subtle, sharp exploration of the diplomatic toolbox." Charles Crawford CMG, former HM