Bread and Stones is an account of successful United Nations reform by a former Executive Director of the World Food Programme. The WFP stands out as thoroughly professional and effective among the tangle of weak organizations that makes up the dysfunctional United Nations system. Based on the author's diaries, Bread and Stones give a unique 'insiders, 'warts and all' look into the inner workings of the system. Though unusually candid about personalities, this memoir is factual and analytical. It has been written to record an important episode in UN history, to provide a lively case study of the obstacles to reform and to serve as valuable source material for all students of international organization. The strategies that can lead to successful reform are identified. Despite their criticisms governments give weak and inconsistent leadership. Strong, far sighted leadership by governments and agency heads is needed if the vested interests of both are to be overcome.
