Not only John Joliffe, but also Nicholas Shakespeare who, in The Daily Telegraph this weekend, considers Maisky's diary 'a find of historic importance and fascination'. Is Lord Lexden remembering correctly when he suggests that Paul Kennedy FBA 'predicted' the end of history? This was of course Francis Fukuyama. (Professor Kennedy's key contribution was to show how global military supremacy depends on economic power and technological skill.) I note Kennedy is joined in his admiration for Maisky's Diaries by Niall Ferguson, Antony Beevor and Richard Overy (all quoted on the book jacket). It's curious Lord Lexden did not find more to engage him in the book. But then again he is an admirer of Alan Clark's volumes.