December 20, 2007

Former U.S. Consul in Budapest Tells His Diplomatic Tales at Embassy
 

The Embassy of Hungary hosted a presentation by former American Consul in Budapest William S. Shepard  on his recently published books Murder On The Danube and Diplomatic Tales  on December 18.

William Shepard presenting at the Hungarian Embassy

His novel, Murder On The Danube, is a mystery novel set in Budapest, against the background of the Hungarian Revolution. Extensive research for the book was carried out in Budapest, with the assistance of the 1956 Historical Institute and the Embassies of the United States in Budapest, and of Hungary in Washington. His Diplomatic Tales, published in April, 2006, records his diplomatic experiences, including his memoir of Cardinal József Mindszenty.
 

Zoltán Fehér introducing the author

At the event, Mr. Zoltán Fehér, the Embassy's Press and Communications Attaché, welcomed the guests and introduced the presenter of the evening. Mr. Shepard shared stories and anecdotes from his experiences as well as read excerpts from his two books. His wife, Lois, told the audience about her memories of Cardinal Mindszenty and his departure from the U.S. Embassy in Budapest in 1971.
 

The author's wife, Lois Burke Shepard sharing her stories about Budapest

A career Foreign Service Officer for 21 years, William Shepard has lived and traveled extensively in Europe and the Far East. He served as Consul and Political Officer at American Embassy in Budapest, and then as Desk Officer for Hungary in the State Department. Mr. Shepard helped negotiate the Consular Convention between the United States and Hungary, the first treaty between the two nations in thirty years. In 1981, at the 25th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution, he was made an Honorary Freedom Fighter by the World Federation of Hungarian Freedom Fighters. In 1997, at the request of Ambassador Bánlaki, he delivered the October 23rd address at the Hungarian Embassy in Washington, on the 41st anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.
 

Shepard signed many books to audience members

After the presentation and a Q&A session, members of the audience lined up to get their books autographed by Mr. Shepard and enjoyed the Embassy's reception.
 

Photos by László Hofer / Hungarian News Agency