Memoirism Hype

Abstract

Literary theory puts memoirs on the intersection between literary and semi-literary genres, which makes them specific by definition. But when we talk about memoirs of diplomats, they are even more specific, as they are often the only source describing events that took place in diplomatic intercourse. This article analyses the significance of writing memoirs as seen by diplomats through interviews with ten Slovenian diplomats. The interviewees agree that memoirs need to be written, not only to shed light on events that took place in diplomacy, but also because they can be important literary works and contribute to the spread of diplomatic terminology.

Keywords

• diplomatic memoirs
• Slovenian diplomacy
• (semi-)literary genres
• linguistic capacity