Reviews for The Last American Aristocrat, Vol. 1

The average rating for The Last American Aristocrat, Vol. 1 based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2020-01-08 00:00:00 Raul Maximus This is a well-researched biography of a statesman that too few appreciate enough. David K. E. Bruce was present for almost every important event of his adult lifetime, and his associations worldwide were widespread and varied. Bruce served as ambassador to France, Germany, England, and as an early emissary to China. He also helped to carry out the Marshall Plan and worked fervently for a united Europe. In addition, he was a connoisseur of wine, art, and antiques, a lover of books and history, and he came from a distinguished old Charlotte County, VA family whose members had been active in politics, as he also was in state legislatures in Maryland and Virginia. It was in the area of international diplomacy, though, that he contributed most to his country, to Europe, and to the world. He served many Presidents until well into old age, and in his personal life suffered tragic deaths of two daughters. The United States could use people of his caliber and experience today.

Review # 2 was written on 2014-02-06 00:00:00 Richard Turner War historian Nelson Lankford gives us the only biography of an essential American, fleshing out a character best known for offering Ernest Hemingway a lift to the Ritz after the liberation of Paris, then paying his bar tab. Following OSS work during WWII, David Bruce was the only American ever to hold all the important ambassadorships and diplomatic posts: Berlin, London, Paris, Beijing. Bruce was also a champion of the arts, chosen by his father-in-law, Andrew Mellon, to be trustee of the National Gallery. David Bruce was perhaps the most cultured Virginian since Francis Fauquier--if not Thomas Jefferson. Even his cousin Natalie Barney said so!