Description
Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life, inscribed by Queen Noor of Jordan to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Edward J. Perkins.
Octavo, xi, 467pp, [1]. Gray hardcover, black cloth spine, title stamped in silver on spine. Stated “first edition” on copyright page, with a later number line. In the publisher’s dust jacket, retail price on front flap, faint shelf wear, a near fine example. Inscribed on the half-title: “For Lucy and Ed Perkins, With my heartfelt appreciation, warm wishes, and prayers for peace. Queen Noor. 2004.”
Dr. Edward J. Perkins (1928-2020) served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, as well as Liberia, South Africa, and Australia throughout his 25-year foreign service career. In 1986 President Ronald Reagan appointed Perkins to serve as ambassador to South Africa in hopes of fending off a congressional override to his veto of economic sanctions against the country. It was a controversial decision amidst apartheid in South Africa, and many Black leaders urged Perkins to not take the role. Perkins accepted the position and served until 1989, one year before Nelson Mandela was released from prison. He was appointed U.N. Ambassador by George H. Bush in 1992, serving for one year.
