Not an institutional history, When the World Calls is the first complete and balanced look at the Peace Corps's first 50 years. Revelatory and candid, Stanley Meisler's engaging narrative exposes Washington infighting, presidential influence and the Volunteers' unique struggles abroad. Meisler deftly unpacks the complicated history with sharp analysis and memorable anecdotes, taking readers on a global trek starting with the historic first contingent of Volunteers to Ghana on August 30, 1961.