Diplomatic Classics provides convenient access to some of the most important figures writing on diplomacy when modern diplomacy was taking shape. The selections have been chosen to highlight the contributions for which the individual writers are best known (for example, the attack by Commynes on 'summitry'), though some have also been picked with a view to modern interests (for example, De Vera's views on women in diplomacy). All selections are fully introduced, annotated and accompanied by recommendations for further reading.