Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box by Albright

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Used book in good condition. Shows typical wear. Quick shipping. Satisfaction guaranteed!
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Last updated on Dec 04, 2025 11:59:55 PSTView all revisionsView all revisions

Item specifics

Condition
Good
A book that has been read but is in good condition. Very minimal damage to the cover including scuff marks, but no holes or tears. The dust jacket for hard covers may not be included. Binding has minimal wear. The majority of pages are undamaged with minimal creasing or tearing, minimal pencil underlining of text, no highlighting of text, no writing in margins. No missing pages. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitionsopens in a new window or tab
Seller Notes
“Used book in good condition. Shows typical wear. Quick shipping. Satisfaction guaranteed!”
ISBN
9780060899189
Book Title
Read My Pins : Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box
Publisher
HarperCollins
Item Length
8.5 in
Publication Year
2009
Format
Hardcover
Language
English
Illustrator
Yes
Item Height
0.9 in
Author
Madeleine Albright
Genre
Design, Political Science, Science, Biography & Autobiography, History
Topic
Earth Sciences / Mineralogy, Europe / France, Jewelry, International Relations / General, Political, Essays
Item Weight
32.5 Oz
Item Width
9.7 in
Number of Pages
176 Pages
Category

About this product

Product Identifiers

Publisher
HarperCollins
ISBN-10
0060899182
ISBN-13
9780060899189
eBay Product ID (ePID)
72089048

Product Key Features

Book Title
Read My Pins : Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box
Number of Pages
176 Pages
Language
English
Topic
Earth Sciences / Mineralogy, Europe / France, Jewelry, International Relations / General, Political, Essays
Publication Year
2009
Illustrator
Yes
Genre
Design, Political Science, Science, Biography & Autobiography, History
Author
Madeleine Albright
Format
Hardcover

Dimensions

Item Height
0.9 in
Item Weight
32.5 Oz
Item Length
8.5 in
Item Width
9.7 in

Additional Product Features

Intended Audience
Trade
LCCN
2010-277598
Dewey Edition
22
Reviews
'Albright blends history and analysis to make concise, compelling arguments about how the next president can restore America's world leadership, sprinkling it with dry, droll humor?Her insights into how the internal politics of Russia, Japan, China, Afghanistan, Pakistan and other nations affect U.S. interests are particularly engaging.' (The Rocky Mountain News)
Dewey Decimal
739.27807473
Synopsis
Before long, and without intending it, I found that jewelry had become part of my personal diplomatic arsenal. Former president George H. W. Bush had been known for saying "Read my lips." I began urging colleagues and reporters to "Read my pins." It would never have happened if not for Saddam Hussein. When U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright criticized the dictator, his poet in residence responded by calling her "an unparalleled serpent." Shortly thereafter, while preparing to meet with Iraqi officials, Albright pondered: What to wear She decided to make a diplomatic statement by choosing a snake pin. Although her method of communication was new, her message was as old as the American Revolution-Don't Tread on Me. From that day forward, pins became part of Albright's diplomatic signature. International leaders were pleased to see her with a shimmering sun on her jacket or a cheerful ladybug; less so with a crab or a menacing wasp. Albright used pins to emphasize the importance of a negotiation, signify high hopes, protest the absence of progress, and show pride in representing America, among other purposes. Part illustrated memoir, part social history, Read My Pins provides an intimate look at Albright's life through the brooches she wore. Her collection is both international and democratic-dime-store pins share pride of place with designer creations and family heirlooms. Included are the antique eagle purchased to celebrate Albright's appointment as secretary of state, the zebra pin she wore when meeting Nelson Mandela, and the Valentine's Day heart forged by Albright's five-year-old daughter. Read My Pins features more than 200 photographs, along with compelling and often humorous stories about jewelry, global politics, and the life of one of America's most accomplished and fascinating diplomats., "Jewelry isn't ordinarily a tool of political persuasion, but in this beautiful book, Madeleine Albright, American ambassador to the United Nations and then the nation's first female secretary of state, tells the compelling story of how these small objects became part of her 'personal diplomatic arsenal.'" -- The Chicago Tribune From New York Times bestselling author and former secretary of state Madeleine Albright, Read My Pins is a story and celebration of how one woman's jewelry collection was used to make diplomatic history. Part illustrated memoir, part social history, Read My Pins provides an intimate look at Albright's life through the brooches she wore. Her collection is both international and democratic--dime-store pins share pride of place with designer creations and family heirlooms. Included are the antique eagle purchased to celebrate Albright's appointment as secretary of state, the zebra pin she wore when meeting Nelson Mandela, and the Valentine's Day heart forged by Albright's five-year-old daughter. Read My Pins features more than 200 photographs, along with compelling and often humorous stories about jewelry, global politics, and the life of one of America's most accomplished and fascinating diplomats., New from New York Times bestselling author and former secretary of state Madeleine Albright, Read My Pins is a story and celebration of how one woman's jewelry collection was used to make diplomatic history. Exploring the use of the pin or brooch as a means of personal and diplomatic expression and featuring a gallery of fascinating photographs, this unique, intimate, and revealing biography offers a whole new side of Secretary Albright, one of our most beloved public servants.
LC Classification Number
NK7303.A43A43 2009

Item description from the seller

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Whattaplace

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  • 3***6 (109)- Feedback left by buyer.
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    I appreciate the speed with which Whattaplace shipped my order to me. Regretfully the item was lost somewhere in the shipment process. I also liked the asking price as well. I dialogued with the vendor, about the item not showing up when expected. They got right back to me, and said they'd refund the purchase price (which they did). I was to watch for the item if it got delivered. I'd notify Whattaplace of that. I'd recommend this vendor & would buy from them again.
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    A hard to find book at a fair price! It was well packed for transit and arrived quickly, just as described in the listing. I highly recommend this seller! 
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    Absolutely Gorgeous Book but it arrived without the Cover Jacket as shown in the picture!.... SUPER FAST DELIVERY ...Somewhat Happy Camper!.....FIVE STAR SELLER*****....Well Recommended....Smooth Transaction from Start to Finish...NICE!....Great Communication!
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Product ratings and reviews

5.0
33 product ratings
  • 33 users rated this 5 out of 5 stars
  • 0 users rated this 4 out of 5 stars
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Would recommend

Good value

Compelling content

Most relevant reviews

  • Top favorable review

    SAW THE EXHIBIT AND NOW I'M HOOKED!

    FABULOUS exhibit of 300 + pins came to the Truman Library in Independence, Mo. The exhibit was so interesting that I have been buying READ MY PINS (used) on EBAY and giving the spectacular books as gifts for all occasions! The life of Albright is so interesting and to see photos of her wearing the pins and to read the context of history while she meets world leaders is absolutely amazing! I RECOMMEND READ MY PINS ON EVERY LEVEL!

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-OwnedSold by: goodwillminnesota

  • A gem of a book!

    I really enjoyed this book. As one who loves history, politics and vintage costume jewelry this book filled the bill. The photos were marvelous and the writing entertaining. I found Madeleine Albright's wit and humor delightful and somewhat surprising. Who knew a Secretary of State could be funny? Although I would not have agreed with some of her diplomatic moves, I certainly appreciate her service and her effort. The idea that her choice of pins reflected a diplomatic move or attitude had never entered my mind, but I think it was a brilliant way to quietly make a statement without ever uttering a word.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-OwnedSold by: goodwillsa

  • This is a fascinating, easy-to-read book...

    This is a fascinating, easy-to-read book of interesting stories and history of pins. It is filled with beautiful high-quality photos of Mrs Albright’s brooch collection.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-OwnedSold by: second.sale

  • Excellent

    Wonderful read! Jewelry photos are beautiful. I got a great deal on the book, usual prices in the $30 and up range. Condition of the book like brand new!

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-OwnedSold by: goodwillswpa

  • Interesting and pictures are excellent.

    I bought this for my Mother in law. She always wears pins and likes the storiesnof each one. Beautiful pictures

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-OwnedSold by: thrift.books