Telling the Yanks how to behave themselves in other countries is something that most Europeans would love to do. Do you believe you are worldly, attuned to the world and its changing mores, and just one dashing person who can manage anywhere? That’s what I used to think about myself until United States and the World Face to Face came my way. I am not sure I am exactly happy about reading it – my self esteem is slightly reduced and naturally one of my superior mind does not enjoy that – but the usefulness of the learned tome, which is also extremely amusing, outweighs the insult to my ego. It is a rather big book, almost seven hundred pages, so I decided to browse the table of contents first. But after a few minutes of that I succumbed to the inevitable and dived right in.

My first encounter was a part that was telling Americans what to do, in no uncertain manner. I rather enjoyed that. Telling the Yanks how to behave themselves in other countries is something that most Europeans would love to do. But Old Nigel, I thought, does not need instruction on how to deal with Italians, French, or even Japanese. He knows how to get a meublé, should it be necessary, though naturally he prefers staying with friends for free, and he knows what food to order. Tipping properly is second nature, and surely he does not need to be told what Europeans or Asians or Middle-Eastern think about Americans. So I went on, rather smugly, enjoying the parts about nudity, dating, and managing the rising tide of violence in women who batter their husbands. But here I came across a significant segment – what to do if you want to date an American woman and take her out in style? You see, I thought I knew. But the information provided proved to me that I did have a lot to learn… so I decided to keep the huge volume by my bedside and study the subject in depth. Maximillien de Lafayette’s no fear of man or beast But as I continued browsing, I realized that taking the book with you on your trips may be even more valuable.

The “best and worst” lists would tell you where to eat, where to stay, and what to do in almost every city you could think of. Given by a world traveller like Maximillien de Lafayette, and meticulously researched, the information is invaluable during trips taken for business or vacation. The political issues are handled in great depth, and much of it extremely controversial, something that de Lafayette seems to do in all his books, obviously having no fear of Man or Beast. Of course his readers expect it he is known for breaking barriers and dealing with taboo subjects. For example, I was stunned by his honest treatment of the Middle East, an area he knows first hand. The fun, for me, is in the diversity of the subjects. TV, politics, entertainment, great singers of jazz and cabaret, the best hotels and restaurants in the world, odd people, influential people, the most elegant hairdos of the year, magnificent women and eligible men, with surveys of what they want when it comes to just about everything from sex to university degrees. It is not possible to describe everything. You will just have to look at this book yourself, treating it as a guide to our changing universe.

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Reviewing the United States and the World Face to Face is a daunting task. The extent of information supplied in this huge book, almost seven hundred pages to be exact, could have been confusing. However, it is so interesting and entertaining, that you will find yourself going beyond seeking information and simply enjoy your browsing. There are not many books in the world that would give you such a variety of subjects, all written with the superb detail, attention to veracity and accuracy, and meticulous research that are the benchmark of the books of Maximillien de Lafayette. Where else would you find, between the covers of one book, articles about how to deal with and socialize with foreigners from around the globe, the fascinating lives of divas and femme fatales, the role of Americans in the international scene, policy and foreign affairs, and the secrets of successful dating? And believe me, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The style is funny, though quite authoritative, and the articles are written in depth. Much of the book is provocative, and for many readers, might be controversial. For example, not every one likes to read about American obsessions with certain subjects, or about the political tensions in areas which are not treated in the politically correct, dull fashion that so many authors are forced into in this climate. For example, many may like or dislike the author’s predictions of winner for the White House Race, 2008. But Mr. de Lafayette does not show fear. He is, as always, direct, honest, and sometimes even arrogant and shocking in his assumptions. Therefore, he is either loved or totally disliked – but always fascinating. You be the judge – but no matter how you feel about many subjects, you will enjoy the ride, and find the information, lists, and resources supplied in this mammoth book invaluable. I highly recommend it for both individuals and institutions.