CHAMPION OF WORLD PEACE

Dag Hammarskjold's private life, his early years, the factors influencing him can only be outlined in sketchy form since Hammarskjold refused to share these matters with the public. His biography becomes truly worthwhile not when the author attributes thoughts and feelings to his hero, but in the latter half of the book when Hammarskjold's work with the United Nations begins. Here the reader comes to know his dedication to world peace, his ability in the diplomatic arena, his methodical approach to the Organization he presided over. There are descriptions of the various stages of the cold war, the success of his mission to Peking, the Suez crises, the Hungarian revolt and the explosion in the Congo. The Soviet Union's attempt to cost him and the speech delivered in retaliation recalls a supremely moving event in U. N. history. Students of current events will find this a competent biography.