THE MULTIFACETED AND INCOMPREHENSIBLE WORLD OF MAXIMILLIEN DE LAFAYETTE  By Peggy North

 

Between 1980 and 1984, de Lafayette wrote 6 plays, 3 musicals, 42 musical scores, 2 dictionaries (a lexicon of 10 languages) and  authored 20 books which were published in Europe and the Middle East. And for 3 long years, he did not write a single word. Then, between 1987 and 1991,he rejuvenated his literary appetite and produced 65 books and encyclopedias. And again from 1992 to 1998, he anchored his prolific authorship on a dry dock; he ceased to write books. Instead, he began to write columns and art critiques. He abandoned his easel for 15 years. No more paintings and no more shows. He devoted his time to political commentaries, historical essays and art/entertainment  critiques of artists, performers and divas. Around 1999, he embarked on a new journey; writing books on hospitality and corporate leadership. And as expected -of course- he stopped to write for 4 years. He opened restaurants, nightclubs and floorshows venues. Around 2002, his lavish entertainment productions and live shows venues  came to an end. He left the United States for good and settled in France and England with frequent business trips to Italy. In London, he became the Editor-in-Chief of the London's Monthly Herald  http://www.monthlyherald.com and short after, the Editor-in-Chief of the International Herald Daily news http://www.internationalheralddailynews.org  His columns and articles were read in 125 countries. Then, he resigned to reassume the position of the CEO of the American Institute (AHI)  http://www.americanhospitalityinstitute.org  , a position he held, a decade ago. He got bored and left the institute. He disappeared from the face of the earth for 3 years. Nobody knew what happened to him, what he is doing and where is he? A total mystery. On a regular basis , I surf the Internet. And every time I do so, I Google my dear friend Maximillien. Each new Googling is more astonishing than the previous one. In addition to 5,000 references made to him and to to his work, and hundreds of sites pertaining to his endeavors and creativity, sometimes, unexpected and refreshing sites about Maxime burst on my monitors. 

 

 

 

The most intriguing sites are those of  AHI, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Yahoo, German Culture and Books  and at least 100 additional booksellers sites. These very large  websites keep on listing and advertising his 97 books, yet none of them is available. They are sold out. Why do they do this? I do not know. Second, art organizations, corporations and associations keep on posting  glowing press releases about him and yet, he is no longer actively participating in their activities. Third, No one knows how to reach him, yet, his syndicated articles and columns are daily published in Europe and the United States. I need some help here! The last time, I saw my dear Friend, Maxime was in London around February 2004. I missed talking to him. He was fun, fun, fun...and larger than life. I worked with Maxim at the Herald. Ten splendid years in London. And I began to miss those lovely years of pure delightful madness and overwhelming creativity.

Elaine Blanchard asked me to write a few words about Maximillien. That is tough. Really, I do not know where to start and what to say. The man is an ocean of wisdom, brilliant intelligence, adventures, irregularities, unorthodoxy, warmth, madness, generosity and MASS CONFUSION. I made it easy on my self. I took the liberty of selecting 2 pages from two sites posted on the Internet, some 3 or 4 years ago. They are very special, for one site lists statements about Maxime's diverse accomplishments by dignitaries and close associates. And the other site was a reconstruction of Barnes & Noble listing of his books which are no longer available. This would give you an idea about Maximillien de Lafayette. Here they are:

 

 

1999 PRESS RELEASE BY MARILYN HOLMWOOD TIMS, AHI SENIOR EXECUTIVE. 

MEET OUR DYNAMIC PRESIDENT EMERITUS, THE RENAISSANCE MAN AND INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITY. THE HUMANITARIAN WHO RAISED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR CHARITABLE CAUSES AND HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATIONS WORLDWIDE.

Maximillien De La Croix de Lafayette is an acclaimed international authority on international business operational strategies and business development .

Max de Lafayette, Esquire, is one of America's  most prolific writers and authors on business development, leadership, hospitality and comparative higher education.  He authored 97 published books and encyclopedias  widely used by world councils, multi-million Dollar corporations, information bureaus, speakers bureaus, universities, international research centers,  academia and world organizations, to name a few: California State University, New York Public Library System (all locations), University of Virginia, Randolph-Macon College, University of Salamanka, The University of Hong Kong, The United States Library of Congress, the United Nations, the United States Information Agency, the national center of the five o'clock club (America's Leading national speakers club).

Dr. de Lafayette is an acclaimed international speaker, author and authority on business development,  communications  and social services. He has extensively lectured on and written about hospitality, corporate leadership, communication strategies and journalism. For several years, he served as  Director of Development, Director of Communications, President and CEO of several organizations in the eastern and western hemispheres as well as multi-million Dollars corporations, generating over $250 Millions in revenues, sales and fund raising. As an international speaker, lecturer, author and lawyer by training and trade, de Lafayette remains a fervent advocate of accuracy in media, business ethics, world journalism, health issues and social services. Mr. de Lafayette added another score to his  long list of creativity, leadership and entrepreneurial  successes;  He wrote and directed the World Premiere Musical Melodrama of "Marmara The  Gypsy "(The Jewish Baroness) at America's most prestigious theater: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., USA. His fascination with world issues, global communication and international business/corporate law  transplanted him  on most daring terrains and regions of the world.  He knew back then that, the world commerce, the world's biggest business deals and contracts  are taking place in the rich countries of the Middle and Near East. He went there. He studied their culture, civilization and laws. He earned his Juris Doctorate , specialized in media and corporate law.  Joined the Bar Association and became partner with the legendary Michael Akl, President of  the Bar Association . Soon after, his services were solicited by world's organizations dealing in Europe and the Middle East,  as well as  by heads of states and leaders of that part of the world. Mr. de Lafayette is one of the  most fascinating and cultured men you will ever meet. He is known to his friend as Max, sometimes, the Great Mad Max as it was reported in The Washington Post. He toured the globe. He visited 46 countries and wrote the most authoritative book on comparative social life and systems in 120 countries which appeared under the title of “SECRET BOOK OF NATIONS” in 1992, one of his many international bestsellers.   He is fluent in 7 languages. A man of a delightful sense of humor and unsurpassed dynamism. A scholar and a captivating story teller.  He currently lives in Europe.

PRESS ARTICLES ABOUT DE LAFAYETTE APPEARED IN:

To name a few: 1-American Library Association, Book Review 2-American Books Reference, Book Review 3-Books in Print, Gale Research, NY 4-Forthcoming Books, R.R. Bowker, NY 5-The WASHINGTON POST (Cover Story: On The Town. Weekend Section by Eve Zibart) 6-The WASHINGTON POST (Feature Article. Weekend Section by Eve Zibart) 7-The WASHINGTON POST (Cover Story, 5 page article-Style Section by Martha Merrill) 8-The UNAUTHORIZED GUIDE TO WASHINGTON, D.C., McMillan Publishers, New York 9-USA TODAY (Cover Story: Food and Live Entertainment) 10-WHERE MAGAZINE (Cover Story) 11-WGAY Radio Station, Washington, D.C. (Main Story on the Air by Lisa Webber) 12-DETAILS MAGAZINE (Cover Story of the Year: The 300 Best Spots in America) 13-WASHINGTONIAN MAGAZINE (Cover Story-3 page article by Sheri D’Alphonse) 14- WASHINGTONIAN MAGAZINE (Cover Story-The 25 Most Favorite Places in Town) 15-WRC-NBC by Lisa Feldman 16-GUIDE TO THE BEST CHOICES IN THE NATION ( The Nation’s Best) 17-UNIVERSITY REPORTER, Washington, D.C. (Cover Story) 18-Virginia International Public Television, Channel 56 (Documentary: The Cabaret in Georgetown) 19-FREE PRESS, Washington, D.C. (Editorial by Clyde Brinkley) 20-TRANSMEDIA NETWORK NEWS, (National Coverage-WHAT’S HOT) 21-GEORGETOWNER MAGAZINE, Washington, D.C. (Cover Story by R. de Vaney) 22-WASHINGTON’S FLYER, Washington, D.C. (Cover Story) 23-IL TEMPO JOURNALE, Rome, Italy (Review by Dina Diza, Washington, D.C. Correspondent)  24-GEORGETOWN COURIER, Washington, D.C. (Vive La Difference) 25-The WASHINGTON POST/Washington Post Magazine : Entertainment/Cabaret Section.

 

 

SELECTED STATEMENTS FROM LEADERS AND PEERS

“ Prof. De Lafayette is a walking encyclopedia. A scholar, a superb communicator and innovative strategist.” Dr. M. Mughissudin, Former Dean of the American University International Programs, American University, USA and Europe

“Dr. de Lafayette is one of the most intelligent and brilliant men I have ever met in my life”. Dr. Kenneth Horne, Esquire, President of Virginia College.

  “Max is Mr. Perfection. The best of the best in the business. He is Mr. communication and Mr. hospitality par excellence.” Janet Greene, Former Director of the White House Operations, President Clinton Administration.

“Wealth of information”. The American Library Association

"Maximillien de Lafayette added class, magic and excitement to our world event." Raymond Loire, President of The Foreign Press Correspondents, Proche Orient. President of Regional Committee, Election Miss Universe Georgina Rizk.

"Maximillien makes everything possible. Brilliant mind, great communicator, glowing personality and the lord of savoir faire." Melina Mercouri, former Minister of Education and Culture of Greece, international super star  and leading star of "Never on Sunday".

"Max, a man for all seasons. Brilliant, warm, captivating, mesmerizing." From a speech given by his Excellency, Dr. Kabir, former ambassador of Bangladesh to the United States, during a reception at his residence in Maryland in the honor of Mr. de Lafayette

"Mr. de Lafayette is more than an aristocrat. He is a man of the world with amazing knowledge,  effective communications style, refined manners, class and distinguished leadership." His Excellency Senator Robert Sabalat, former Minister of Foreigner Affairs of Haiti.

"Counselor Maximillien de Lafayette was instrumental in the success of our mission to the Middle East. His exemplary devotion and remarkable insight were noticed and highly appreciated by our office." His Excellency, Eminence Cardinal Bertolli, Former Secretary of State of the Vatican.

"I had the honor of writing  the introduction of many of Dr. de Lafayette's books and encyclopedias. I knew the man as a friend, as a scholar and as a brilliant entrepreneur-business man. He amazes him. A man of a great wisdom, immense knowledge  and unsurpassed intelligence. Dr. de Lafayette is fascinating." Dr. John Chen, Laureate of the United Nations/UNESCO, former Member of the White House Convention on Information and Library Science, Washington, DC.

"My buddy Max is the man. He is the best." John Riggins, The Red Skins Quarter Back, All Americans, World Champion Super Bowl USA

"Maximilian is bigger than life and fate. A super star. Overwhelming yet humble. Grosso modo: One of the most captivating personalities, striking strategists and entertaining scholars you will ever meet. We owe Maximilian a lot. Thanks to his guidance and support, we stayed and prospered in the publishing business." Dr. Gisele Muller, World Art Celebrities Journal, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief.

"Maximillien de Lafayette was my right hand and source of strength for vital decisions taken by our law firm. His brilliant analytical mind cemented solid foundations for continuous success in our international and regional legal representations and transactions. Mr. de Lafayette was a great addition to our firm as an attorney and as a scholar." Counselor Michel Akl, President of the Bar Association, Palace of Justice, Liban.

"Max is too much. Simply brilliant!" Paul Condon, NOKIA Vice President of Sales

 

 

A considerable number of documentaries and articles about his accomplishments appeared in the national and international press, radio and TV stations to name a few The Washington Post, USA Today, Details Magazine, WHERE Magazine, The Nation’s Guide, McMillan Unauthorized Guide to Washington, D.C., Washingtonian Magazine, Washington Flyer, Georgetowner, Georgetown Courier, UR Reporter, Free Press of Washington, NBC, CBS, WGAY Radio Station, DC and MD, International Public TV Station, VA-Channel 56, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Stagebill, etc. National & International Internet website providers are currently displaying & listing his immense work.

8"Maximillien, the GREAT MAD MAX, the MARQUIS is Mr. Excitement par excellence and Mr. Hospitality in person! Always, first class, the best of the best." Jim Kimsey, AOL (America On Line) CEO/PRESIDENT Emeritus

8"Genius at work." Michael Yazbeck, President, Co-Proprietor of the Grand Hotel, Washington, D.C.

8"He is our  ambassador to the world…he is the best of the best in the business." Michele Davis (MBA, MIT, Harvard). Paramount CEO. Washington, D.C.

8"A magician! Certainly he knows how to create the best establishments in America." Dina Diza, Il Tempo Journale , Rome, Italy. Washington's Correspondent

8"He did it again! Absolutely the best! Quality rating: 5 stars." University  Reporter, Washington, D.C.

8"He made it the hottest spot in town. The last refuge for the clever!" Eve Zibart, The Washington Post, Washington, D.C.

8Selected by Details Magazine, N.Y. as the creator of "One of the Best 300 Spots in America."

8"Thank you for a wonderful night…absolutely magnificent. A memorable experience." Liza Webber "On The Air", WGAY Radio Station, Washington, D.C.

8"Extraordinary. A truly delightful Parisian experience. It is what Washington has been waiting for all these years. Wonderful evening." Lisa Feldman, WRC-NBC, Washington, D.C.

8"High marks!" WHERE Magazine, Washington, D.C.

8"The very best…one of the nation's best. Do you want to excel in the business, then learn from him." Guide to the Best Choices in the Nation

8"He brings back to Georgetown its past glory…the aristocrats are back in town. Leadership… explosion and implosion of  magic, and sophistication!" Robert de Vaney, The Georgetowner Magazine, Washington, D.C.

8"Absolutely a delight! Quite magnificent." Clyde Brinkley, The Free Press, Washington, D.C.

8"A great scholar…America's leading authority on business development" Dr. John Chen, UNESO-United Nations Laureate. Former Member Of the White House Committee on Library Science and Information Service, Washington, D.C.

8"We are so grateful for the superb  services you provided us. You added class and magic to our event." Raymond Loire, President of the Foreign Press Correspondents Syndicate, Paris, Beyrouth. President of the National Committee (Regional Bureau) Georgina Rizk Miss Universe.

8" Vive la Difference! Outstanding...He made his mark on the town." Washington Courier Magazine, Washington, D.C.

8"This man has class. A lot of class. Wherever you look is beautiful and perfect… great sense of details. One of the giants in the business." Jacqueline Rodier, Grande Dame of the French Fine Cuisine, "Le Petit Paris", Paris, France

8"Max is the best." Janet Green, Former Director of the White House Operations, Washington, D.C.

8 " I come here just to see my buddy Max…He is the best." J. Riggins, Redskins Former Quarterback, NFL Hall of Fame, All American

8" His keen sense for details and public relations is unsurpassable. Most certainly, he is one of the best in the business and entertainment industries." His Excellency Senator Dr. Robert Sabalat, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Haiti

8"We had a great time with Mr. Max. A perfect host. I had to honor him and thank him for his warm hospitality and savoir faire by inviting you to this dinner reception in my humble residence." His Excellency Dr. Kabir, Former Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United States

8"You will be touched by his hospitality and warm welcome. He is one of the pillars of our great American enterprise. His impact on the industry was felt across the nation. He is a dear friend." His Excellency John Upston, Former United States Ambassador to Rwanda.

8"One of the giants of the industry with a heart bigger than life." Marilyn Timm, AHI National Executive Director

8"Wealth of information not available elsewhere." The American Library Association