An admirably judicious and comprehensive - and long overdue - study of one of the most remarkable figures of the twentieth century, whose presence remains both spiritually and politically significant for an age of violently confused international relations. - Rowan Williams, Master of Magdalene College (Cambridge University), former Archbishop of Canterbury

""An important, brillaintly written book. Its wide selection of sources gives a masterful, true, and full portrait of Hammarskjoeld. Lipsey's learned and wise comments cobtribute much to understanding the inner life and outward actions of a unique person."" - Per Lind, Swedish Foreign Service and personal aide to Hammarskjoeld, 1953 - 56

""A great book about a great man who must not be forgotten in a time which more than ever needs to see the footprints of Dag Hammarskjoeld - the combination of wholehearted engagement in the world and familiarity with the spiritual 'journey inwards.'"" - K.G. Hammar, Visiting professor (emeritus) at the Center for Theology and Religious Studies, Lund University, and former archbishop of the Church of Sweden

"A good and indispensable man, Hammarskjoeld ""understood and respected the need for heroes."" In this lucid, well-written biography, he certainly emerges as one." -- KIRKUS

"Roger Lipsey's book is a fascinating literary journey through Dag Hammarskjoeld's personal and professional life. It demonstrates how his spirituality and inner strength were translated into penetrating analyses of world problems and, most importantly, into principled action." - Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations

""...political junkies and history buffs will relish this definitive, painstakingly thorough treatment of a great statesman and consummate diplomat."" - Publishers Weekly

"...no one has sketched [Dag Hammarskjoeld's] life and peacekeeping endeavors with such depth and breadth as Mr. Lipsey...He argues that Hammarskjoeld's diplomatic skills preserved the U.N. as a beacon of hope through turbulent times." - George Melloan, The Wall Street Journal

After his mysterious death, Dag Hammarskjoeld was described by John F. Kennedy as the ""greatest statesman of our century."" Second secretary-general of the United Nations (1953 - 61), he is the only person to have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize posthumously. Through extensive research in little explored archives and personal correspondence, Roger Lipsey has produced the definitive biography of Dag Hammarskjoeld. Hammarskjoeld: A Life provides vivid new insights into the life and mind of a truly great individual. Hammarskjoeld the statesman and Hammarskjoeld the author of the classic spiritual journal Markings meet in this new biography - and the reader will meet them both in these pages. A towering mid-twentieth-century figure, Hammarskjoeld speaks directly to our time.