Over Here

by Raymond Seitz

OVER HERE does for Great Britain what Alistair Cooke has done for the States. Raymond Seitz was US Ambassador to Britain from 1990 to 1994. Unlike the majority of his predecessors he didn't return home, but decided to stay on in the UK. Again, unlike the majority of US Ambassadors, Seitz was not a political appointment, but a career diplomat - and one of the most successful of his generation. Following on from his successful radio 4 series of the same title, OVER HERE, is about the Transatlantic relationship at every level : Politics, diplomacy, education, language, sports, animals, currency, pomp and circumstance.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, Memoir, Travel, Politics, Autobiography

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Palmyrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raymond Seitz, appointed by George Bush Sr., was the first career diplomat to hold the post of US Ambassador to the Court of St. James in just about forever. The post is normally reserved for political appointees.

This warm and thoroughly enjoyable memoir is wittily and lucidly written and combines personal and professional reminiscence in ideal measure. I learnt a lot about diplomacy as a profession, the US-UK 'special' relationship and the minutiae of British and American government and administration – as well what some of the great and good of both countries were really like when you came face to face with them.

Don't expect scandal or deep political analysis. The author is a diplomat.

If you aren't overly left-wing or anti-elitist in your sentiments, you're likely to find this a damn' good read.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look inside an era when diplomacy mattered and diplomats weren't political lackeys

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

A some-what dated analysis of Anglo-American relations (the book concludes before the end of the Bosnian crises in the mid-90's), and the socio-historical tends that unite and dive the two countries. Interesting primarily for its well-collated observations on British culture from an American perspective, and for the vast number of wryly-told historical and contemporary anecdotes from political life. Some readers may find his analysis on British opinions towards Europe foreboding in light of Brexit.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not what I expected and pleasantly surprised. He went through whole history of Anglo American relationships in all areas. Sometimes a little long winded ,but knew going onto next subject at the end of chapter
I feel could have given more personal anecdotes as must have met many interesting people
A good book all round. Looks like only thing he has written sure if he came up with another idea I would consider reading more from him

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit dated, although a huge plus that the author was a career diplomat, who managed appointment to (probably) the highest American post overseas, that would otherwise be a donor reward job. First hundred pages are an abridged autobiography, before getting down to the U. K. stuff, showing he's a fairly regular guy. Makes decent vacation/travel material.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very helpful at helping me settle when I moved to London. It compares and contrasts the American and English cultures, making both easier to understand from the others' perspective. Insightful.