David Jayne Hill and His A History of Diplomacy in the International Development of Europe

David Jayne Hill (1850～1932), a legendary American who had successfully pursued multiple careers, has been remembered mainly as a diplomatic historian. His three-volumed book A History of Diplomacy in the International Development of Europe, as the first general history of international relations ever produced in the western academic circles, had greatly prompted the emergence of the study of international relations as an independent discipline. The work, while distinctly drew courses of European politics in more than 1800 years, vividly presented a colorful picture of development of the European international relations. The following merits of the book made it a long cherished classical work of international studies: precise grasp of historical macro trends, deep exploration of accidental issues, extensive consultation of literature, and elegant and lively writing style.