This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Back Channel

   A Memoir of American Diplomacy and the Case for Its Renewal

   

   In this insightful memoir, a seasoned diplomat offers a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate world of international diplomacy, drawing from his extensive career in the U.S. Foreign Service. Through a series of compelling anecdotes and reflections, he reveals the delicate art of negotiation, the importance of understanding cultural nuances, and the often unseen efforts that shape global politics. The narrative provides a candid exploration of pivotal moments in recent history, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of navigating complex geopolitical landscapes while emphasizing the enduring value of diplomacy in fostering peace and cooperation.

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2. 2. Perilous Realms

   

   Perilous Realms: Celtic and Norse in Tolkien's Middle-earth is a 2005 scholarly book about the origins of J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, and the nature of his characterisation, by the scholar of literature Marjorie Burns. Some of the chapters discuss "Celtic" and "Norse" influence on Tolkien's writing, while others explore literary themes. The book won a Mythopoeic Award for Inklings' Studies in 2008. Reviewers have praised the book for helping to balance out earlier work on Middle-earth's Norse origins, for the way it shows the importance of "Celtic"-style crossings of rivers or gateways into Elvish and other realms, and for showing the fantasy author and Arts and Crafts advocate William Morris's influence on The Hobbit. Scholars have been less sure about the book's use of the shifting terms "Celtic" and "Norse", which are no longer used as they were in Tolkien's time.