This book aims to demystify the United Nations for a general audience. Written by Maggie Black, it likely draws on extensive research and potentially interviews to explain the complex structure and functions of the UN. The core argument appears to be that understanding the UN is crucial for comprehending contemporary global politics and that its operations, while intricate, are fundamentally comprehensible.

This book is likely regarded as an accessible and informative introduction to the United Nations. Its focus on clarity and demystification suggests it is aimed at readers seeking a foundational understanding of international organizations. The author's presumed expertise would lend credibility to its explanations of the UN's complex machinery and its role in global affairs.