In 1716, the French diplomat and author Francois de Calli res published the treatise "De la Maniere de negocier avec les souverainsoan outstandingly successful manual of advice for diplomats, perhaps the best of its kind ever written. It has become the classic text, highly regarded by 18th century statesmen, who considered it essential reading for prospective diplomats, and by modern historians who have praised its insights into the conventions and...