Hell and Other Destinations

“Richly detailed. . . an intimate portrait of a diplomat.” —New Yorker

From the seven-time New York Times bestselling author and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright—among history's most admired and tireless public servants—a revealing, funny, and inspiring reflection on the challenge of continuing one’s career far beyond the normal age of retirement

In 2001, when Madeleine Albright was leaving office as America’s first female secretary of state, interviewers asked her how she wished to be remembered. “I don’t want to be remembered,” she answered. “I am still here and have much more I intend to do. As difficult as it might seem, I want every stage of my life to be more exciting than the last.”

In that time of transition, the former Secretary considered the possibilities: she could write, teach, travel, give speeches, start a business, fight for democracy, help to empower women, campaign for favored political candidates, spend more time with her grandchildren. Instead of choosing one or two, she decided to do it all. For nearly twenty years, Albright was in constant motion, navigating half a dozen professions, clashing with presidents and prime ministers, learning every day. After leaving the State Department, she blazed her own trail—and gave voice to millions who yearned for respect, regardless of gender, background, or age.

Hell and Other Destinations reveals this remarkable figure at her bluntest, funniest, most intimate, and most serious. It is the tale of our times anchored in lessons for all time, narrated by an extraordinary woman who had a matchless zest for life.

In this unforgettable memoir, Albright shares the stories and lessons from her remarkable third act:
Women’s Empowerment: Go behind the scenes of Albright's famous declaration that “there’s a special place in Hell for women who don’t help other women” and her lifelong fight for gender equality.A Masterclass in Reinvention: Discover how America’s first female secretary of state refused to retire, instead launching a business, teaching at Georgetown, and continuing to shape world events on her own terms.Unfiltered Diplomatic Insights: Read candid, witty, and never-before-told stories about her encounters with presidents, prime ministers, and dictators after leaving public office.Inspiring Lessons on Leadership: Learn from a trailblazer who believed every stage of life should be more exciting than the last, offering timeless wisdom for navigating your own journey.