This book examines the pivotal role of the Permanent Under-secretary for Foreign Affairs through the lens of the twelve individuals who occupied the position between 1854 and 1946. The Permanent Under-secretary serves as the senior civil servant within the Foreign Office, responsible for the department's administration and providing crucial advice to the Foreign Secretary. This study delves into the careers and influence of these key figures, exploring how they navigated the complex political landscapes and evolving diplomatic challenges of their eras, thereby shaping British foreign policy.

The book offers a focused historical account of a significant, yet often overlooked, position within British foreign policy. By detailing the careers of the twelve individuals who served as Permanent Under-secretary between 1854 and 1946, it provides insight into the continuity and change within the Foreign Office over nearly a century. The study likely appeals to historians of diplomacy, British political history, and those interested in the mechanics of government administration. Its detailed examination of individual careers within a defined historical period suggests a scholarly and in-depth approach to the subject.