by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1980. There are also harrowing moments, like surviving two nearly fatal poisoning attempts during his diplomatic work. The book also covers mundane events, such as the subject’s early childhood and his interactions with students as a beloved professor. The author of seven biographies, Cooke approaches the subject with a warmth that borders on fawning (she describes Lesch as “a ‘nice guy’ whose moral compass gives me hope for humankind”). And while at times hagiographic, this biography is backed by solid research, including a scholarly bibliography and interviews with more than a dozen individuals associated with Lesch, from family friends to academics, students, and diplomats. Its engaging narrative is complemented by full\u002Dcolor photographs, maps, and newspaper clippings."⭐ 5.0/5(1)
