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Western-Bestseller / Heft-Reihe
G. F. Unger / Für Mary Ann durch die Hölle
cover: ?
Bastei-Verlag
(Bergisch Gladbach / Deutschland; seit 1972)
ex libris MTP
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I'm waiting to begin. For someone to open the book and read past the introduction. I'll be the best seller that you'll never want to put down. I'll be more than you could imagine. I'm full of mystery and inspiration and joy, and although sometimes it seems as if not much is happening you'll be ok with that. You'll be content because just over the page is a new adventure and sometimes its good to rest. Those are the moments where you'll find out about me, you will get to read my history. And when the night falls and you close your eyes you will dream of me. I am still wrapped in brown paper, tied up with a pretty bow. Ready to be opened. You are just about to begin.
Western-Bestseller / Heft-Reihe
G. F. Unger / Pferdediebe
cover: ?
Bastei-Verlag
(Bergisch Gladbach / Deutschland; seit 1972)
ex libris MTP
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Bloody hell, I don't know what it is about my little book Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse but it just doesn't seem to die. It's into it's technical 5th printing now of volume 1 ( with that basically sold out now too and hopefully a new one coming ) and we just did a hardcover version. Now that the New York Times is nice enough to give comics some love and respect with their own bestsellers list, I've made it onto there for the first time, which is super nice. It's actually one of the books I'm most happy with too. Gave it a complete redesign, lots of extra material/backmatter...so really, this is just icing on the cake.
Huge thanks to all of you who've ever checked out Wormwood. It really is a labour of love for me. Been through so much with that little book. Had a bunch of award nominations, some from completely unexpected quarters ( like the International Horror Guild ) but really, what makes it most worthwhile is meeting the fans that dig the book and tell me it actually makes them laugh. So cheers. Here's to more Wormwood in the future. Look for a new miniseries and then TPB next year, probably called "Bingo Night in Valhalla "
Graphic Books Best Seller List (Hardcover)
1 WATCHMEN, by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. (DC Comics, $39.99, $75.) This epic tale from 1986 signaled a new maturity in comic books.
2. JOKER, by Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo. (DC Comics, $19.99.) The Joker, newly released from Arkham Asylum, deals with the rivals who have carved into his territory.
3 BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE, by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland. (DC Comics, $17.99.) This critically acclaimed story from 1988 offers a possible origin for the Joker.
4 ALL-STAR SUPERMAN, by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. (DC Comics, $19.99.) These stories, free of the barnacles of continuity, include an encounter with Zibarro, the only sane resident of the Bizarro world.
5 BATMAN: R.I.P., by Grant Morrison and Tony Daniel. (DC Comics, $24.99.) Thomas Wayne, the father of the caped crusader, is cast in a sinister light.
6 HUMBUG, by Harvey Kurtzman and others. (Fantagraphics, $60.) The 11-issue run of this satirical magazine from the 1950’s receives the hardcover treatment.
7 TARZAN: THE JESSE MARSH YEARS, Vol. 1, by Gaylord DuBois and Jesse Marsh. (Dark Horse, $49.95.) Witness the Golden Age adventures of Tarzan.
8 EERIE ARCHIVES, Vol. 1, by various. (Dark Horse, $49.95.) The gruesome magazine, following in the steps of its cousin Creepy, in a hardcover collection.
10 THE COMPLETE PEANUTS: 1971-1972, by Charles M. Schulz. (Fantagraphics, $28.99.) Sally Brown is the cover girl in this latest collection of newspaper strips.
Want a signed one?
And now for the shameless plug. If you want a copy, I personalize/sign them for free ( since I'm currently in the IDW offices, ) over at the IDW online store. It just costs a bit for shipping is all.
Ernest Hemingway’s first bestseller and arguably one of the best novels written about World War I, “A Farewell to Arms,” was first serialized in the May – October 1929 issues of Scribner’s Magazine. It was published in book form in September of that year. It is the story of Lieutenant Frederic Henry, an American serving as an ambulance driver in the Italian army, and his love affair with an English nurse named Catherine Barkley. The novel is semi-autobiographical, based on Hemingway’s own experiences serving in the Italian campaigns during World War I.
[Source: www.biblio.com/a-farewell-to-arms-by-hemingway-ernest/wor...]
Welt-Bestseller / Heft-Reihe
Miguel María Astraín Bada / Spione im All
Bastei-Verlag
(Bergisch Gladbach / Deutschland; 1977-1978)
ex libris MTP
1958; The Call Girl by Harold Greenwald. unknown Artist. Blurr reads: 'Sensational revalations about the life and habits of the women who practise the newest variations of the oldest trade in the world'
New office complex for Bestseller fashion group, Pier 2, Port of Aarhus.
Architect: C.F. Møller Architects
Western-Bestseller / Heft-Reihe
G. F. Unger / Sie nannten ihn Gun Lane
cover: ?
Bastei-Verlag
(Bergisch Gladbach / Deutschland; seit 1972)
ex libris MTP
The Beautiful Mary Wilson of the Supremes
In my collection have an autographed copy signed by the legendary Mary Wilson.
Supreme Faith Someday We'll Be Together by Mary Wilson and Patricia Romanowski
Synopsis
A gutsy follow-up to Wilson's blockbuster, Dreamgirl, which has sold half a million copies in paper and cloth. Picking up where that bestseller left off, Wilson details life at Motown after Diana Ross quit the Supremes and describes Ross' horror as the Supremes racked up top-ten hits while her singles went nowhere. Wilson also writes honestly about her sizzling affairs with Steve McQueen and Flip Wilson in this extraordinary saga. 25 photographs.
On YouTube there are many interviews and footage of Mary who still performs
and tours.She has a website at : www.marywilson.com/
Also on Youtube noted a recent a great documentary on the History
of Motown.I found Mary Wilson"s bubbly personality and energy
wonderful.Remember Mary Wilson is a legend , great humanitarian
and inspiration.
Published on Apr 16, 2019
In conjunction with the GRAMMY Museum's new exhibition, "Motown: The Sound of Young America,"
opening at the LBJ Presidential Library on April 13, some of Motown's biggest stars recall the
beginnings of Motown 60 years ago and how it forever changed American music, business, and
perceptions of African-Americans.
- Duke Fakir
Founding Member of The Four Tops
- Claudette Robinson
Member of The Miracles
- Mary Wilson
Founding Member of The Supremes
- Moderator: Bob Santelli
Founding Executive Director, GRAMMY Museum
This panel took place on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, and was part of the LBJ Foundation's The
Summit on Race in America, held April 8-10, 2019, at the LBJ Presidential Library, located on
the campus of The University of Texas at Austin.
- - -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS4-s4S-52g
Mary Wilson
Ms. Mary Wilson still performs with the same passion as she did singing with the original
Supremes, but the world renowned celebrity is now using her fame and flair to promote
humanitarian efforts to end hunger, raise AIDS awareness and encourage world peace.
While Ms. Wilson is best known as a founding member of the world’s most famous female trio –
they recorded 12 No.1 hits from 1964 to 1969 – the legendary singer’s career did not stop there,
and she continues to soar to untold heights.
Ms. Wilson is a best-selling author, motivational speaker, businesswoman, former U.S. Cultural
Ambassador, the recipient of an Associate Degree from New York University in 2001, and an
honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. In 2007, Ms. Wilson
was named international spokeswoman for the Humpty Dumpty Institute, a platform she uses to
condemn the death and destruction caused by hidden landmines and unexploded ordnances in less
developed countries
Dreamgirls
The Play, The Movie
Interest in the Supremes’ legacy was renewed after the release of the award-winning film
“Dreamgirls,” in 2006. While the film created a wonderful piece of work using the likeness of
the Supremes, as well as their history, Ms. Wilson said it did not depict their true story.
The Primettes
The true story began nearly 50 years ago when Ms. Wilson started singing as a teenager while
living in Detroit’s Brewster-Douglass Projects. Performing at an elementary school talent
showcase, she befriended Florence Ballard. They made a pledge to remember each other if they
joined a singing group. The opportunity came in 1959 when Milton Jenkins, the manager of a male
singing group, the Primes, decided to organize a spin-off girls’ group. A friend of the Primes,
Betty McGlown, was the first person asked, and then Florence Ballard, who invited Ms. Wilson.
One of the Primes, Paul Williams, recruited Diane Ross, who just happened to be a neighbor of
Ms. Wilson’s, to round out the quartet ‘The Primettes’. After doing many rock and roll DJ shows
around the Detroit area, performing songs by popular artists, such as Ray Charles and the
drifters, at sock hops, social clubs and talent shows, the Primettes decided to audition for the
up and coming Motown record company. Unfortunately Mr. Gordy told them to come back and see him
after they all graduated from high school.
Determined to leave an impression on Motown President, Berry Gordy, Jr., and join the stable of
rising Motown stars, the Primettes frequented his Hitsville, USA recording studio every day
after school. Eventually, they convinced Mr. Gordy to sign them to his label. Much to their
surprise Paul Williams and another ’Prime’ member Eddie Kendricks, had joined Otis William & the
’Distants’ to become members of the ‘Temptations’.
Although Gordy signed the girls to his label- it was under one condition, that they changed
their name of the group. At this time Betty had left the group and was replaced with Barbara
Martin. On January 15th 1961 the Primettes officially became The Supremes. On the day of the
signing when Gordy asked them for their new name Florence was the only one who had collected a
list of names from her family and friends and chose the ‘Supremes’.
In the spring of 1962, after regarding a few songs for their first album, Barbara Martin left
the group to start a family. Thus the newly named Supremes continued as a trio; which to this
day remains one of their trademark signatures.
The SupremesFrom 1961 to 1963, the Supremes recorded many songs and released eight singles. At
Motown the Supremes were jokingly referred to as the “no-hit Supremes.” But their fate changed
dramatically in late 1963 when the song “When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes,”
written and produced by Holland-Dozier-Holland, peaked at number 23 on the Billboard pop chart.
The next year, the Supremes released the single “Where Did Our Love Go,” which reached number
one on the U.S. pop charts in August 1964 and number three in the United Kingdom. After that
hit, the Supremes released four more number one hits, including: “Baby Love,” “Come See About
Me,” “Stop In the Name of Love,” and “Back in My Arms Again,” making them the only group to have
five consecutive number one hits.Their success attracted promotional opportunities. The Supremes
were one of the first pop groups of the 1960’s to do commercial endorsements. They endorsed
Coca-Cola, Arrid deodorant, and they had their own “Supreme” white bread and brand of wigs.The
Temptations and the Supremes regarded two of the first TV Specials by any Pop stars. TCB and GIT
were TV trends that are still popular today for pop artist.The year 1967 was pivotal for the
group. Mr. Gordy renamed them “Diana Ross and the Supremes”, Ms. Ballard left the group and was
replaced by Cindy Birdsong. January 1970 Diana Ross performed for the last time with the
Supremes before pursuing a solo career. Ross’ departure left Ms. Wilson as the only original
member of the Supremes. Ms. Wilson continued performing with Cindy Birdsong and Jean Terrell as
the “New” Supremes, better known today as the “70’s Supremes.”The “New” Supremes scored a number
of hits including “Up the Ladder to the Roof” (US number 10, UK number 6), “Stoned Love” (US
number 7, UK number 3) and “Nathan Jones” (US number 16, UK number 5). These three singles were
also R&B Top Ten hits, with “Stoned Love” becoming their last number one hit in December of
1970. Songwriting/production team Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson produced another Top 20
hit for the group, a Supremes/Four Tops version of Ike & Tina Turner’s “River Deep – Mountain
High.”In 1972, the Supremes had their last Top 20 hit single release, “Floy Joy,” written and
produced by Smokey Robinson, followed by the final US Top 40 hit, “Automatically Sunshine” with
Ms. Wilson on lead vocals, (US number 37, UK number 10).The 70’s found Mrs. Wilson getting
married and starting a family.In June 1977, Ms. Wilson embarked on her own solo career and
toured Europe and Asia while raising three new babies. Ms. Wilson has recorded two solo albums,
including her self-titled debut in 1979 with the single “Red Hot,” and her 1990 release “Walk
the Line.” She is currently recording another album due for release in 2013 while helping to
raise four of her 8 grandchildren.
Ms. Wilson’s “Dare to Dream” lecture, which she gives to young people, emphasizes the need for
personal perseverance to achieve their goals, despite obstacles and adversities in their lives.
The topic is the foundation of her best-selling autobiography “Dreamgirl - My Life as a
Supreme.” Ms. Wilson later authored its sequel, “Supreme Faith - Someday We’ll Be Together.” In
2000, these two books, along with updated chapters, were combined to complete her third book.
She is currently working on a fourth book, which will be a coffee table hardcover featuring the
gowns, history and legacy of the Supremes.
Moreover, she has spread the Supremes’ legacy from the world stage to international museums with
a touring exhibit entitled, “The Story of the Supremes from the Mary Wilson Gown Collection,”
featuring their show-stopping gowns and coveted memorabilia. The gowns were on exhibit at the
Victoria and Albert Museum in London and will be touring The United Kingdom before going on to
Europe for another two years.
Over the years, Ms. Wilson has been highly recognized as the consummate humanitarian. She
continues to devote her time and talent to assisting a diverse group of non-profit
organizations, including the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the American Cancer
Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, The Po Leung Kuk schools of Hong Kung, UNICEF,
the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Figure Skaters of Harlem, a youth organization committed to
helping children realize their dreams o compete in the Olympics. She has been active with Child
Research, supporting a child around the world for the past 20 years.
In 1988, Mary Wilson accepted the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the
Supremes when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1994, the Supremes
received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 1998, they were inducted into the Vocal
Group Hall of Fame.
In 2003, the National Foundation for Women Legislators bestowed a Lifetime Achievement Award on
Ms. Wilson and invited her to a delegation of women legislators who traveled to Bahrain. She
participated in a Trade and Civil Life Conference hosted by the Prince and Prime Minister of
Bahrain and is proud to have played a role in helping pass the Freedom Trade Bill between the
U.S. and Bahrain.
At the 37th Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in 2007, she received the
Floyd Washington Auto Safety Advocacy Award for her commitment to auto safety.
As a Supreme Wilson endorsed the Vice President Hubert Humphrey, sang at Command Performances
for the Royal family in England and Sweden.
Appearing as “Mary Wilson of the Original Supremes,” she is sought after to entertain all over
the world. She performed for President Bill Clinton in the East Room of the White House at the
Millennium Celebration.
As a mother and a grandmother, Ms. Wilson’s personal desire is to be involved in worthy causes
around the world that improve the lives of individuals, families and all humanity. Ms. Wilson’s
experience as a Supreme and cultural ambassador broadened her horizons and afforded her the
opportunity to be an advocate for social and economic challenges in the United States and
abroad.
New office complex for Bestseller fashion group, Pier 2, Port of Aarhus.
Architect: C.F. Møller Architects
Western-Bestseller / Heft-Reihe
G. F. Unger / Ein Mann kämpft für Nancy
cover: ?
Bastei-Verlag
(Bergisch Gladbach / Deutschland; seit 1972)
ex libris MTP
Kommissar X Bestseller / Heft-Reihe
Bert F. Island / 7...8...9...aus!
cover: George Peppard in einer Szene aus "Der Gnadenlose"
( P.J. / Centfox Film)
Kriminalroman
Erich Pabel Verlag
(Rastatt/Deutschland; 1986)
ex libris MTP
New office complex for Bestseller fashion group, Pier 2, Port of Aarhus.
Architect: C.F. Møller Architects
This bestseller is destined to become one of your favourites, too. Elegant floral lace body hugs your curves, while sexy styling lets you show off all your assets. Ladylike and naughty at the same time, you'll feel your sex appeal increasing every time you put it on. Great for romantic nights or even worn as risqué innerwear under skirts and tops. Check this out at www.stunninglingerie.com.au/bridal-lingerie/.
no date; Take one for Murder by M.E. Chaber. Lettering by George Salter. Kendall Foster Crossen wrote as Richard Foster, Christopher Monig and as M.E. Chaber many crime stories.
New office complex for Bestseller fashion group, Pier 2, Port of Aarhus.
Architect: C.F. Møller Architects
Cover Model John Joseph Quinlan - Hero To Obey USA TODAY BESTSELLER by Blushing Books Publications.
www.johnjosephquinlan.com/cover-model-john-joseph-quinlan...
www.johnjosephquinlan.com/usa-today-bestseller-testimonials/
#JohnQuinlan #Hero2obey
Welt-Bestseller / Heft-Reihe
Jules Verne / Die Reise zum Mond
Bastei-Verlag
(Bergisch Gladbach / Deutschland; 1977-1978)
ex libris MTP
The book under review, Makers of India's Foreign Policy, is written by a renowned Indian diplomat, the late Mr. J. N. Dixit. The author served as Foreign Secretary in the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, and was a member of the National Security Advisory Board. During his diplomatic career he was Ambassador to Bangladesh and Afghanistan; and High Commissioner to Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He authored nine books, including the international bestseller, India-Pakistan in War and Peace published in 2002.
Since Independence, various prime ministers, foreign ministers, policy advisers and foreign service officers have played an important role in formulating Indian foreign policy. Dixit observes that during his tenure as foreign secretary, 1991-1994, he noted that a number of books, monographs and articles have been written about the evolution and implementation of Indian foreign policy. However, in his view, they have focused only on a few political personalities. Dixit's rationale for writing this book is to deal with this shortcoming in the study and analyses of Indian foreign policy. In this connection the author has also analysed the influence of international/regional political, socio-economic and cultural developments on the thought process of various personalities.
The book is divided into fifteen chapters, focusing on the role of various individuals, belonging to different circles of Indian society during the pre-independence and post-independence periods, in formulating reactions towards foreign countries and societies. Prominent personalities discussed in the study include Dadabhai Naoroji, Dvijendranath and Davendranath Tagore, Sir Syed Ahmed, Maulana Altaf Husain Hali, Mahatama Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, V. K. Krishna Menon, Sardar Swaran Singh, Y. B. Chavan, D. P. Dhar, G. Parthasarathi, P. N. Haskar, Morarji Desai, Rajiv Gandhi, I. K. Gujral, Narasimha Rao, Atal Behari Vajpayee, K. P. S. Menon, M. K. Rasgotra, Brajesh Mishra, Jaswant Singh, and Yashwant Sinha.
Referring to the pre-independence period, Dixit has discussed two broad phases - pre-1857 period, and post-1857 period (after the first Indian war of independence). As assessed by Dixit, during the pre-1857 period there was "a feeling of inferiority and inadequacy" and it was felt that "India should imitate and absorb Western mores, its social and cultural values, and its educational and intellectual systems."(p. 22) According to Dixit, prominent individuals supporting this view were Dadabhai Naoroji, Dvijendranath and Davendranath Tagore, R. C. Dutt, Michael M. Dutt, Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, Gopal K. Gokhale and Sir Syed Ahmed. Dixit observes that during the second phase, post-1857 period, there was a realisation for the need to assert the "relevance and importance of India's ancient culture and civilisation, of Indian value systems" and that "there was no need to imitate the West (or India's rulers) blindly." (p.22) Prominent personalities who held this view were Swami Vivekananda, Swami Shradhanand, Maharishi Dayanand, Maulana Altaf Husain Hali, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Badruddin Tyabji.
While discussing the perceptions of Mahatma Gandhi, Dixit points out that Gandhi's stay in South Africa from 1896-97 to 1914 and his struggle for the Indian community there, had a strong impact on his political ideology. Upon his return to India in 1914, he played an important role in the Indian national freedom movement and also transformed the Indian National Congress into a revolutionary movement. Dixit's assessment that Gandhi's stress on "tolerance, on mutual accommodation, on the commitment to peace, on avoiding the use of coercive force to settle disputes and on the commitment to freedom of colonial people"(p.40) has provided a moral base to India's foreign policy contradicts what India had actually practised. India's military annexation of the Princely States of Junagadh and Hyderabad, Sikkim, Goa and India's hegemonic policy towards Bhutan and Nepal are some examples.
According to Dixit's assessment, Jawaharlal Nehru, known as the architect of Indian foreign policy, believed that "India's geographical size, its demographic and natural resources and its geostrategic location underlined its importance in Asia and the world." (p.83) Dixit says Nehru believed that stability of neighbouring states was imperative for the security, national consolidation and economic development of India. Dixit points out that Nehru was basically against partition. However, in his assessment, once partition took place Nehru "acknowledged the separate status of Pakistan."(p.92) Dixit's assessment once again contradicts reality as Nehru accepted partition as a temporary measure. In his message on June 3, 1947, Nehru said, "It may be that in this way we shall reach that united India sooner than otherwise."(Quoted by H. V. Hodson, The Great Divide, Hutchinson, London, 1969)
In Dixit's view the general perception in India about Lal Bahadur Shastri, the Indian Prime Minister for 1964-1966, was that he was "an unlikely candidate for prime ministership."(p.101) However, Dixit concludes that the manner in which Shastri managed the political situations, he "brought the important principles of realism and practicality to bear on our foreign policy and defence planning." (p. 115)
Dixit rightly points out that Mrs. Indira Gandhi's period as prime minister of India - 1966-1977 and 1980-1984 - witnessed a radical shift in India's foreign policy. In Dixit's assessment, Mrs. Gandhi's dealing with the "liberation movement" in Bangladesh (East Pakistan) was the most important foreign policy achievement during 1970-1974. The second achievement was acqusition of nuclear weapons capability. Dixit's admission that Mrs. Gandhi "authorised the acceleration of India's nuclear weapons capacity research" (p.139) and as a result India conducted its first nuclear explosion in 1974, negates India's claim that it had conducted a peaceful nuclear explosion in 1974. This proves that India was concentrating on acquiring nuclear weapons capability right from the beginning. Moreover, Dixit regrets that under international pressure "India did not follow through with further tests to consolidate its nuclear weapons capacity and its status as a nuclear weapons power." (p. 139) According to Dixit, during her second tenure, major foreign policy concerns were the Afghanistan crisis, Pakistan's "subversions" in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, and relations with the superpowers. However, as assessed by Dixit, two foreign policy decisions by Mrs. Gandhi, which have been critically debated in India were her ambiguous response to the Russian invasion of Afghanistan and her support to the Sri Lankan Tamil militants.
While analysing the period of Indian Prime Minister, Morarji Desai, 1977-1979, Dixit concludes that his contributions did not have a profound impact on Indian foreign policy. However, Dixit points out that Desai did make some significant foreign policy pronouncements. For example, he took the initiative to establish covert relations with Israel; desired normalisation of relations with China; and expressed willingness to normalise relations with Pakistan and discuss the Kashmir issue in all its implications. Dixit has rightly concluded that there was no tangible progress in Indo-Pakistan relations. However, he has not given any reasons for the lack of progress.
In terms of foreign policy orientation, Dixit is of the view that Rajiv Gandhi was influenced by Indira Gandhi. In Dixit's assessment, important contributions by Rajiv Gandhi were: introduction of a strong technological and economic content in India's foreign policy; ensuring the required nuclear and missile options for India, to safeguard national security; initiating normalistaion of relations with China; managing to keep Indo-Pakistan relations stable; and attempting to deal with the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, supported by the Indian Armed Forces.
Dixit describes I. K. Gujral, Prime Minster of India from the summer of 1996 to the begining of 1998, as "a person committed to his idealism and one with the courage of his convictions." (p. 211) Assessing Gujral's foreign policy contributions, Dixit points to the reopening of dialogue with Pakistan, which was stalled in 1994. Dixit has criticised Pakistan for a non-reciprocal attitude towards Indian efforts for improving relations and has totally ignored the efforts made by Pakistan's Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, during his meetings with Gujral at the SAARC Summit in May 1997 and in New York in September 1997, for reviving the stalled Foreign Secretary level talks. However, Dixit concludes that Gujral was criticised for lacking "political realism, decisiveness and strategic judgement about the impulses of realpolitik which govern international relations." (p. 224) As assessed by Dixit, Gujral would be remembered both for his "idealism", "commitment to peace" and also for "overoptimism regarding the results of the compromises he was willing to make."(p. 224)
Dixit describes Indian Prime Minister, Narasimha Rao, as "an unlikely and unexpected figure on the stage of foreign and security policies because for the first forty years of his political career he was not a know figure in Congress party discussions." (p. 227) However, while assessing Narasimha Rao's contributions during his tenure as Prime Minister, 1991-1996, Dixit says that after the disintegration of the Soviet Union, while sustaining relations with Russian Federation Rao developed relations with the US, Western Europe, China, Southeast Asian countries, Gulf countries, Iran, South Africa, Israel and the newly independent Central Asian Republics. He also improved relations and sustained official bilateral dialogue with Pakistan from 1991 to 1994. Agreements on confidence-building measures, Siachen and Sir Creek issue were discussed but progress could not be made because of political constraints in both the countries.
According to Dixit the most important decisions by Atal Behari Vajpayee, when he was Prime Minister, were to continue the advanced missile weapons tests and the nuclear tests in May 1998. Another important development during his period was the establishment of the National Security Council. It seems Dixit was not happy with Vajpayee's efforts for normalisation of relations with Pakistan. Dixit has described Vajpajee's management of relations with Pakistan as a "roller coaster ride." In his view, in 1999 Vajpayee took initiatives for normalisation of relations with Pakistan on the assumption that after the May 1998 nuclear explosions, "Pakistan would deal with India in a more self-assured manner."(p. 260) According to Dixit, Vajpayee's expectations were wrong as Pakistan was preparing for the Kargil "invasion" even when Vajpayee was in Lahore in February 1999. Dixit claims that Vajpayee was "taken by surprise."(p. 260) Dixit views Vajpayee's policy towards Pakistan during 1999-2001 as "impracticable." In his view Vajpayee's questioning of the "legitimacy of the Musharraf government" and Vajpayee's campaign against the Musharraf government at international fora was interpreted in the context of India's hostility against Pakistan. Therefore, in Dixit's assessment, "Vajpayee's policies affected India's credibility as a mature and practical country." (p. 262)
Dixit has also briefly discussed the role played by various ministers and non-ministerial personalities in shaping India's foreign policy. As viewed by Dixit, V. K. Krishna Menon was "the analytical adviser and executor of Nehru's foreign policy." (p. 155) Dixit worked with Swaran Singh when Singh was foreign minister. Dixit regards him as having a "practical strategic vision about India's security and foreign policy." (p. 159) Dixit has not discussed in detail Singh's strategic vision. However, in a general context, Dixit says that Singh had a clear understanding about Indian interests and objectives and had a "precise sense of priority about how to move forward towards them." (p.159) Referring to P. N. Haskar, Principal Secretary to Indian Prime Minister, Mrs. Gandhi, in late 1966, Dixit points out that all major foreign policy initiatives and decisions related to domestic politics made by Mrs. Gandhi were influenced by Haskar's advice. According to Dixit, G. Parthasarathi, chairman of policy planning committee, mainly influenced Mrs. Gandhi's policy while dealing with the Tamil conflict in Sri Lanka.
About Sir G. S. Bajpai, Secretary General in 1947-52, Dixit says that he basically organised India's Ministry of External Affairs and was India's principal interlocutor during negotiations on Kashmir issue in 1947-49. Dixit regards K. P. S. Menon as one of the "most important functional architects of India's foreign policy." (p. 279) He points out that Menon, as India's ambassador to the Soviet Union (1952-63), was instrumental in bringing "qualitatively positive change" in Indo-Soviet relations. Dixit points out that Menon, as Indian ambassador to Soviet Union, played an important role in organising the visits of Khrushchev and Bulganin to India in 1955, which became the basis for the close Indo-Soviet relationship. While discussing the contribution of M. K. Rasgotra, Dixit says that as Deputy Chief of the Indian Embassy in Washington, Rasgotra played an important role in gaining "legislative support" in US Congress for India during the East Pakistan crisis in 1970-71. Dixit also states that as a member of the National Security Advisory Board, 1999-2002, Rasgotra made important contributions in the formulation of India's nuclear doctrine. While referring to Brajesh Mishra, Principal Secretary to Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee, Dixit has highlighted his role in preparing grounds for the meetings between Vajpayee, Pakistan's Prime Minister, Zafarullah Jamali, and President Musharraf during the SAARC Summit in January 2004.
Dixit has described Jaswant Singh as the "most operationally active foreign minister that India has had."(p. 295) According to Dixit, Singh not only influenced conceptualisation of policy but also "the detailed implementation of its more important and sensitive aspects."(p. 296) However, Dixit concludes that Jaswant Singh ignored Central Asia and Africa in his foreign policy focus.
Dixit was part of the Indian foreign service for a period of thirty six years and had worked with a number of the important personalities he has discussed in the book. Therefore, the study provides a first hand and insightful analysis of the thinking and beliefs of various Indian personalities and how they have influenced the foreign policy formulation and implementation process in India. However, while going through the chapters, one shortcoming that becomes obvious is that Dixit has discussed the contributions made by S. K. Singh (Foreign Secretary in 1989-90); Muchkund Dubey (Foreign Secretary in 1990-91); and his own role as Foreign Secretary in 1991-94 only in passing. In Chapter 13, Dixit merely mentions that the three foreign secretaries dealt with foreign policy issues during a period of international political instability. Important international developments during this period were the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the ensuing Gulf War, the Soviet Union's disintegration, emergence of Central Asian States, the end of the Warsaw Pact and expansion of NATO etc. Dixit offers a general conclusion that the three foreign secretaries kept India's foreign policy "on course in times of uncertanity and change." (p. 291) Another disturbing factor of the study, which needs to be highlighted is that while discussing India-Pakistan relations Dixit has projected the official Indian bias against Pakistan. Whether it is the 1965 war, 1971 conflict or Kargil, Dixit has blamed all three on the Pakistani leadership. As a seasoned diplomat, Dixit could have done a more objective analysis.
Fahmida Ashraf
HarperCollins Publishers India,
a joint venture with The
India Today Group
New Delhi, 2004, pp. 328
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