The Diplomatic Career of the English Poet Matthew Prior

Abstract

Introduction. There are only a few special works about the English poet Matthew Prior as a diplomat in historical literature, and his diplomatic service did not receive an assessment in Russian historiography. Methods and materials. During the study of the poet’s diplomacy practice, the author used systematic and anthropological methods, content analysis of his correspondence, biographies, and research works. Analysis. Prior was one of the few Englishmen of his time who was able to combine a political and poetic career. He met the main criteria for climbing the career ladder in the era of “courts and alliances” because he had professional abilities, excellent knowledge of languages, art knowledge, wit, and the ability to compose well. As a diplomat, Prior successfully proved himself during two European wars: the Augsburg League war and the War of the Spanish Succession. As a secret agent, embassy secretary, and ambassador, he was prominent in all negotiations with France. Results. The most important achievement of his diplomacy was the conclusion of the Peace of Utrecht between Britain and France. Prior’s diplomatic activities harmoniously combined with his erudition in the field of artistic culture and poetry. Diplomacy defined his most successful and mature works, and poetry perfected his art of diplomacy.