DAG HAMMARSKJOLD: The Statesman And His Faith

by Henry P. Van Dusen ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 18, 1966

Although the late General Secretary of the United Nations was a notable human being in both his life of public service and his private interests in literature, art, and the humanities, the core of his personality was a ""quite extraordinary interior life."" On this thesis, Dr. Van Dusen undertakes a careful and penetrating study of Hammarskjold's hidden life as revealed in his Markings, relating the self-revelations given there both to the private development of the man as a person and to his service as a public figure, first in various posts in Sweden, and then most notably as the world figure at the UN. Two main themes are identified as underlying Hammarskjold's thought and acts: the ideal of selfless service, which he inherited through his family; and his reverence for all men, which he himself ascribed to the influence of Schweitzer. In pursuing his analysis, the author, president-emeritus of Union Theological Seminary, draws upon a wide range of sources, from personal interviews with his subject's close associates to a careful study of Markings and of the record of the Secretary's public service. The book does not aim at being a definitive biography; but it does provide as closely analyzed and penetratingly appreciative study of the man's interior life as is likely to appear in a long time.

Pub Date: Jan. 18, 1966

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1966

Categories: NONFICTION