British Embassies have a special role in our history. They represent our country in bricks and stone and have often expressed - at least in the eyes of foreigners - our national character. Whether they are Lutyens buildings in Washington, grand palaces in Europe, beautiful old colonial buildings in Asia, or secure compounds in the Middle East, they all have stories to tell and reveal the changing face of British diplomacy.

British Embassies is a large format picture book with an authoritative text, by the author of Great Houses of London. The book will cover High Commissions, Government Houses, Residencies and Embassies in 26 countries to provide a wide survey of a subject hitherto unaddressed as a group. They will be a revelation.

As well as providing a record of famous historic embassies such as that in Paris, there are a number of post war and contemporary Embassies and Residencies which represent the constant adaptation of British diplomacy to new conditions. The book will offer a mixture of history, architectural description, diplomacy and anecdote, accompanied with specially commissioned photographs by Luke White.

This is a unique and glamourous book about British Imperial and post-Imperial architecture. It is a lively and evocative read for anyone interested in the international projection of British power and culture, particularly in connection with the Empire.