The limits of 'realism'

Barry Gewen tackles the contradic­tions, and offers absolution, in this book, a timely and acute defence of the great realist's actions, values and beliefs

When the nefarious Cardinal Richelieu died in 1642, Pope Urban VIII is said to have declared: “If there is a God, the Cardinal de Richelieu will have much to answer for. If not … well, he had a successful life.”

Henry Kissinger likes that anecdote. He cites it in his writings. This is, perhaps, projection.

Has Kissinger, sly and witty, revived the tale as a wink toward his elegists? He has surely enjoyed success — secretary of state, winner of the National Book Award and the Nobel Peace Prize — yet always in chorus with charges of sin.

Barry Gewen tackles the contradic­tions,