Book Description
From the bestselling author of A Man Called Intrepid comes the first and only biography of Vera Atkins, of whom James Bond creator Ian Fleming said, "In the real world of spies, Vera Atkins was the boss." Vera Atkins was an attractive young woman with smoky eyes and lustrous black hair. She belonged to a wealthy family and dined with ambassadors and kings. She could have been a socialite, but in the cataclysmic days of World War II, Vera Atkins became Great Britain's spymistress.
Customer Reviews:
Publishing farce.......2007-09-19
The author of Spymistress states that Vera Atkins had "lustrous black hair" whereas in fact she was a blue-eyed blonde, as anyone who ever met her could have told him.
If the author cannot get the colour of his subject's hair right it is hardly surprising that much of the rest of the book turns out to be nonsense too. The fantasies woven here have no interest. The author trivialises a great woman's life story. He does so in the knowledge that the dead cannot answer back.
The true story of Vera Atkins's life is far more compelling than anything in this book. I know this because I spent five years researching her extraordinary story across the world. I interviewed her at length before she died and I had sole access to her archive.
I am writing this review not to promote my own book but to defend Vera's integrity. This false "biography" desecrates the memory of a remarkable woman, misses the real story entirely, and brings the American publishing industry into disrepute. In short, it is a publishing farce.
Product Description
Hitler was a British Agent covers Hitlers psychological training in Britain during his missing year (1912) and how this was activated throughout WWII to steer him as a puppet of British intelligence, carrying out their plan to destroy the European powers, particularly France, Germany and Russia. For the first time Operation WINNIE THE POOH is exposed: Hitlers escape out of Berlin on 2 May 1945 with the help of Ian Fleming of James Bond fame. It gives the time and circumstance of Hitlers real death.
Rudolf Hess flight to Britain is solved as is the Duke of Kents crash and apparent death. Both died in different countries and different decades from the official versions. Many crimes and mysteries of war are solved in Hitler was a British Agent.
Customer Reviews:
Outrageous.......2007-07-22
The sad thing about any book professing to be about top secret activities is that it is impossible to prove the author wrong. That said, time and again Mr. Hallett mentioned details that I knew to be correct and such incidences were not limited to things of common knowledge rather they were events that I have gleaned by years of living and working closely with the intelligence community.
Although the author bats 1000 when it comes to those events that I can verify, I am not ready to jump on the band wagon and swallow the rest of the stories hook, line, and sinker - especially as some of his stories conflict with other source with equal reliability (or lack thereof). Even though one should not believe any of his stories without independent corroboration, it is a cornucopia of tantalizing tales that could be the foundation of some interesting research. Hallett adds to this potpourri a measure of New Zealand tongue-in cheek humor and an interesting perspective on the relationship of sexual perversion and positions of power.
Regardless of the veracity of the content or ones alignment with the political views of the author, this is a book that can be enriching for those with an open mind.
I was disappointed with the book in a couple of respects. Firstly, the material repeats itself many times over making for an overly long tome (of course, this has an advantage if one is reading only isolated chapters since they can stand independently) and some topics drift far from the central theme. Secondly, the thesis of sexual perversion being central to political advancement is somewhat tarnished by the derisive manner in which the topic is presented. Even a modern Western society that is accepting of what two consenting adults do in private will still condemn certain sexual acts, so maybe the author's attitude is proper, yet I found myself frequently questioning his motivations and prejudices.
A useful alternative view, whether or not each word is true........2007-04-01
Hallett's book has a racy, irreverent style not usually associated with history books - but it's not the usual pompous, pious history served up by the victors to their victuals!
His hypothesis, if true, would explain many things and crack open many secrets of the "New World Order." Hallett attributes his original narrative to oral accounts by intelligence insiders. Hopefully other workers may be able to corroborate some of his data with written records of the period.
Henry Makow Ph.D. had this to say about it:
"Greg Hallett's book 'Hitler Was A British Agent' depicts war as a ghoulish illusion conjured by occult magicians in order to degrade and eventually enslave humanity in world government.
Hallett's claim that Hitler was a 'British' agent is based on the testimony of a shadowy network of retired intelligence agents. While he fails to provide documentary proof, Hallett does offer persuasive circumstantial evidence.
For example, Adolph Hitler was in England in 1912-1913, a fact supported by his sister-in-law's book: 'The Memoirs of Bridget Hitler'(1979). Many historians including Hitler biographer John Toland have ignored this startling information. (If Hallett is right, historians like Toland are guilty of sanitizing Hitler...)
Hallett's hypothesis explains 1)Why Hitler was able to expand into the Rhineland etc. without fear of retaliation. 2) Why the Nazi war machine was financed and built by the Bank of England and a Who's Who of Anglo American corporations controlled by the Illuminati. 3) Why Hitler never sealed the Mediterranean at Gibraltar; and why the Spanish dictator Franco remained neutral, despite the huge debt he owed the Nazis from the Civil War. 4) Why I.G. Farben headquarters in Frankfurt was never bombed. This became CIA headquarters."
Explaining so many things.......2007-03-21
Whether Hallett's tomb on history is 100 percent accurate should not be the stumbling block for more mainstream people to understand the hidden hand that is and has always been behind human affairs on this planet. The pain, outrage and embarrassment of being mere puppets in a very well orchestrated play will cause those same people to turn a blind eye to Hallett's version. Brilliant discussions on Dunkirk, body doubles, compromising leaders by recording their sexual deviance, and mind control / physiological changes by remote electro-magnetic means. The description and function of Hitler's dental work alone will astonish you. Overall, one of the most fascinating books I have ever layed eyes on, of any genre. Endlessly relevant to today's political and economic climate. His general philosophy is that the World is run on shame, and that pedophilia / homosexuality / Satanic murder / drug use are the principle generators of human shame, thus the people who are into these avenues are incredibly important to the "controllers" because they can be profoundly compromised, which is why they are always promoted and positioned into powerful roles within our modern socities. By proxy then, gay drug-using Satanic pedophiles are the creme of the crop and often become Presidents, Prime Ministers, Cardinals, Generals, CEOs, and media moguls. So bloody true and seemingly obvious once said. Thus, the so-called "elite" of our modern societies are almost never self-made; rather they are selected, groomed, and then positioned so that they can do the bidding of the controllers, who masterfully use shame for total compliance. Diabolical in its brilliance, but ancient in application. My only critique is its repetitiveness on some themes / statements; in other words, it could have used a better editor.
Average customer rating:
|
Mark Stone: Secret Agent
Marc Holland
Manufacturer: Starbooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Erotic
| Horror
| Genre Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Erotica
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
| Adult Fiction
| Anthologies
| French
| Gay & Lesbian
| General
| Sex in Literature
| Victorian
| Writing
Gay
| Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Gay & Lesbian
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Gay & Lesbian
| Subjects
| Books
British Detectives
| Mystery
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Spy Stories & Tales of Intrigue
| Thrillers
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Fiction Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Romance Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Hot on His Trail: An Erotic Novel
-
Discreet Young Gentleman
-
Falling
-
The Tin Star
-
The Master of Seacliff
ASIN: 1891855816 |
Customer Reviews:
Lurid and Lusty Camp.......2006-11-27
How can one not like this book? It is a fun parody of Agent 007 and boasts a protagonist who is a living, walking, talking sex machine who just happens to be a "secret agent". The story is silly, the sex is CONSTANT and highly charged, and the out-come a hoot. THIS BOOK IS THE ULTIMATE IN MINDLESS ENTERTAINMENT that will stir your loins and put a smile on your face.
Book Description
Memoir of a young Irishman. For more than 4 years, Martin McGartland lived a dangerous double life.
Customer Reviews:
Save your Money..................2006-05-31
Was it worth it Martin? Hero is no word for a hood turned tout.
Recommended reading would be a book called "Ten men Dead" about real men and real heroes who suffered at the hands of Thatchers Government and the RUC, a far more truthful account of the troubles.
Linda (A Scot In U.S.A).......2005-02-27
Tremendous book . I had Read It Several Years ago , When i was in the Uk, saw it on Amazon , and read it again .
Martin Mc Gartland is a tribute to the Irish People .
A young man who became an agent for the special branch, knowing that if he was found out by the IRA it would mean Torture , then certain Death.....
He was known as 'agent Carol' and gave vital information which saved many lives both protestant and catholic.
His title of the book "Fifty Dead Men Walking" is an understatement , i truly believe he saved alot more than fifty.
It is an essential read, and also to read his second book "dead Man Running" Thankyou Martin , for all you have sacrificed.....
Outstandingly gripping........2001-04-01
The moment I started to read this book I couldn't put it down. I read it in a day and even now months later I remember it like I read it yesterday. The images Martin McGarland created will stay with me for a very long time. This book is not only an education into the troubles in Ireland it is also a testament to the strength and courage of an amazing man. I would recommend this book to everyone and anyone.
Outstandingly gripping........2001-04-01
The moment I started to read this book I couldn't put it down. I read it in a day and even now months later I remember it like I read it yesterday. The images Martin McGarland created will stay with me for a very long time. This book is not only an education into the troubles in Ireland it is also a testament to the strength and courage of an amazing man. I would recommend this book to everyone and anyone.
McGartland leads an exciting double life.......2000-01-30
I liked this one! It shows how McGartland, an intelligent soul, was plucked from his lifestyle by British Intelligence to became "Agent Carol", the government's best informant in Ulster for decades.
Average customer rating:
|
Winston Churchill and Emery Reves: Correspondence, 1937-1964
Winston Churchill , and
Emery Reves
Manufacturer: University of Texas Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Irish
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| British
| Historical
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Political
| Leaders & Notable People
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Churchill, Winston
| U.K. Prime Ministers
| Leaders & Notable People
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Churchill, Winston
| ( C )
| People, A-Z
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| England
| Europe
| History
| Subjects
| Books
19th Century
| England
| Europe
| History
| Subjects
| Books
20th Century
| England
| Europe
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Federal Government
| Government
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0292712014 |
Book Description
Early in 1937, the enterprising owner of an independent press service made Winston Churchill an irresistible offer. He would place Churchill's articles on current world events in major newspapers across Europe--and for significantly more money than Churchill's present agent. "I am absolutely convinced," Emery Reves assured Churchill, "that you will find the diffusion of your articles satisfactory." So began a profitable business relationship that grew into an enduring personal friendship. In this book, Martin Gilbert chronicles that relationship through the correspondence of Winston Churchill and Emery Reves. He preserves a compelling record of how each man used the other's talents to forward a cause that passionately engaged them both--the spread of democratic ideals in a post-totalitarian world. The correspondence ranges from short notes to lengthy letters and reveals the important role that Reves played in Churchill's writing life. Before World War II, Reves worked untiringly to place Churchill's pro-democracy articles in newspapers around the world. After the war, he acted as agent and editor for Churchill's war memoirs and his four-volume History of the English-Speaking Peoples and ultimately made Churchill one of the highest-paid authors of nonfiction in the twentieth century. The Churchill-Reves correspondence will be essential reading for all students and scholars of the Churchill era.
Customer Reviews:
bought this at a vintage bookstore on recommendation of store owner.......2006-02-05
Very wonderful writing and not that I know anything about the reality but it does seem realistic.
A Master of Characterization.......2005-02-06
"Ashenden" by Somerset Maugham is one of the grandfathers of the spy fiction genre. In reality, it's not really a novel, but eight short stories featuring Ashenden, a novelist-secret agent during WWI. Each story is unique, some focusing on the violence and duplicity of the secret world (e.g., "The Hairless Mexican," "Guilia Lazzari," and "The Traitor"). Others are less about espionage than quiet character studies (for example, the final story, "The Sanatorium," has nothing whatever to do with spying, but is set in a tuberculosis sanatorium and--though a it's a bit sentimental--is a brilliant character study of the patients and, in particular, of those who find love in the midst of adversity). I found it deeply touching.
I must admit this the first I've read of Maugham and was impressed with his ability in a single paragraph to get to the very essence of a character (perhaps the best example being his vivid characterization of the funny, but tragic Mr. Harrington in "Mr. Harrington's Washing"). Each of Maugham's characters are distinct and finely drawn.
Maugham at one time analyzed himself as in the first rank of the second rate writers. He may not be Dostoevsky or Cervantes, but he was a fine writer who deserves to be read-I think it's more accurate to say he's in the second row of the first rate writers.
I only found out about "Ashenden" from one of the terrific essays of Michael Dirda (the reviewer for the Washington Post) in which he constantly brings to light lost classics.
"Ashenden" is readable, convincing, and (despite its WWI setting) relevant to the events of today. The secret and desperate world of war and espionage will be with us forever it seems; Maugham's themes are timeless and his writing is a model of clarity.
This is a lost classic that should be read.
ATMOSPHERIC.......2003-07-28
Ashenden was particularly admired by Raymond Chandler, and that is what first interested me in it. It is the story, based on Maugham's own experience, of a British spy in the first world war. The 'story' is more a series of separate episodes, and I can easily imagine why it appealed to Chandler -- as well as the laconic detachment of the writing, there is almost a feel of Hammett here and there, notably the episode of the Hairless Mexican. Much of the action centres round Geneva, a city I personally like, and there is a peculiar fascination in the voyage of the lake-steamer going in and out of the war-zone as it alternates between Switzerland and France. This kind of spy did not have much in common with the heroes of Len Deighton or John Le Carre -- the job reminds me more of how J K Galbraith described the life of an ambassador, ninety percent boredom and ten percent panic, like being an airline pilot. It has its grim side too as you would expect. One of the most memorable pieces is the story of the traitor Grantley Caypor. Some years ago Ashenden was serialised on the BBC, with Caypor superbly played by Alan Bennett. What that production did not even try to reproduce was what happened at the moment of Caypor's execution, unforgettable in Maugham's cold prose.
The Father of Modern Spies.......2000-06-13
Worth a read for historical reasons as it is one of (if not the) first modern spy novels. That said, it is very far away from the intricately woven page-turners featuring brainy CIA types bedding winsome females that we tend to think of as being sp novels today. Maugham served in the British intelligence corps in WWI and drew heavily upon his own experiences in writing this book, indeed the epynonymous hero is a well-known writer by profession. Each chapter is almost its own vignette, illustrating some experience or aspect of the intelligent agent's life. The theme is that the agent's life is marked by dullness and inability to know the "big picture." Ashenden is based in Switzerland and undertakes his assignments (none of which involve gunplay or physical prowess) dutifully, yet the reader feels, with a certain ambivalence. There is one especially haunting scene where, for once, Ashenden witnesses firsthand, the repercussions of his actions.
The Precursor to Greene, Ian Flemming, Eric Ambler,LeCarre`.......1999-04-19
Considered by many afficionados of the Spy Novel genre` as the first of it's kind. Written in 1928, the book is a series of stories loosly connected to reveal the sometimes tedious, sometimes adventureous events in the work of a spy in MI5 during the latter stages of World War I. Maugham is given credit by Graham Greene and Eric Ambler as being their inspiration and Ian Flemming borrowed much from the book, including M who was "R" in Maugham's book. Maugham was given the impossible task to squelch the Bolshivic revolution with 56,000 pounds given to him by the government of Lloyd George and he fictionalizes this in the story "Mr. Harrington's Washington." The story "The Hairless Mexican" inspired Hitchcock to write and direct the movie "The Secret Agent" with John Guilgud and Peter Lorrie. This book to my thinking is one of the hidden classics in literature, written by a writer highly underrated because of his popularity and some of his later works that he did purely for money. A must for lovers of the Edwardian period and those who ever wondered where the Burbury Trench Coat came from.
Book Description
Something rare in the study of a period or a subject: a genuinely substantial addition to knowledge, of a kind that will henceforth need to be taken fully into account in any study of the British conduct of the great French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. JOHN EHRMAN A tour de force of research, an essential document for future students of the subject. JOHN LE CARRÉ Elizabeth Sparrow traces the origins of the British secret service to the turbulent aftermath of the French revolution, when Pitt's government, concerned to forestall civil unrest in England, set uppolice surveillance to counteract immigration and sedition. Close study of hitherto unknown Aliens Office documents reveals the expansion of this activity into a foreign secret service, the world of the Scarlet Pimpernel, drawing on an international intelligentsia to infiltrate the French revolutionary government and subsequently, as his domination of Europe seemed ever more certain, Napoleon's military machine. ELIZABETH SPARROW is an independent scholar, author of a number of articles on the early history of the British secret service.
Customer Reviews:
Actually 3 1/2 Stars - Interesting Material/Frustrating Read.......2004-02-03
First off I should say that I could not put this book down (until I would get a headache - from trying to keep all the info in order in my head). It really was very interesting. What was the problem? It was a very frustrating read. The book could have been a 5 star incredible read if it was just organized. Even though the book is broken up into dated sections - she did not keep to the dates and would float back and forth into the past and future. One moment you would read an agent was executed and then 2 pages later she would be talking about him and the prison he was in. One minute she would be discussing 1804 the next 1799. If she had written the book in chronological order it would have been much easier to understand. Also it would have been a lot easier to understand what was going on if she discussed the important battles that were going on at the time. I had to have a book about the Napoleonic War sitting next to me so that I could see what was going on with the armies etc. This book could have been amazing if she brought the agents to life on the page. It was hard to understand what was going on with the agents when she would go back and forth in dates. Hopefully some day someone will take all this information and make a more interesting and understandable book.
Under the Rose..........2001-11-12
There is a dearth of information on the intelligence operations of the Napoleonic period by any belligerent, which is unfortunate as there were many able practitioners of the art during the course of the wars from 1792-1815. The British were persistent and expert, Alexander of Russia understood the uses of treason and subversion, Napoleon, and some of his principal subordinates, Davout, Desaix, and Savary among them, knew the value of intelligence, especially strategic intelligence and how to procure it, and were also expert in the art, Napoleon also being one of the best practitioners of the corollary, counterintelligence.
In this book the author has done yeoman work in assembling information, much of it unpublished before, that traces the development of the British side of the coin, and how they worked against France during the period, and against anyone else who went against or were perceived as subverting the interests of the British crown.
The text itself is difficult to get through and, in my opinion the writing style is somewhat stilted and confusing at times. It should be noted, however, that the subject area is difficult and the cast of characters quite large.
Some of the references used, however, are dubious, in my opinion, when the author ventures outside of her area of expertise. The use of Schom's biography of Napoleon, Thiers' History of the Consulate and Empire, the memoirs of the Duchesse d'Arbantes, and those of Gabriel Ouvrard are not either accurate or helpful and may not give a balanced picture of France under the Consulate and Empire, nor of Napoleon himself.
The adventures of that elusive British sailor, Sir Sidney Smith are well documented and told, and are quite fascinating. The web of intrigue that was Revolutionary France is presented very well, though one has to pay attention carefully with the text to follow the convolutions and aliases of the players in The Great Game.
It would have been helpful, I submit, for more balance in the account. Sometimes the French are portrayed as somewhat helpless, which they definitely were not. It was interesting, however, to read of the English involvement in the murder of Alexander I and of Russo-British intrigues before the invasion of Russia in 1812, which does give credence to the theory that Napoleon's invasion was a pre-emptive strike.
There are minor errors outside of the realm of espionage, the author mentioning Congreve Rockets as being a type of torpedo, which they definitely were not, and that at Friedland in 1807 the French and Russians fought themselves to a standstill, when the Russians were thoroughly defeated, being led into a Napoleonic trap by their commander Benningsen, the decisive French victory here leading to Tilsit.
Overall, this is a very valuable work that is highly recommended for all that are interested in the period. It is full of high adventure, convoluted operations, and much money changing hands. It also demonstrates the lengths to which the British would go to defeat Revolutionary France and Napoleon. This work belongs on every Napoleonic bookshelf.
Interesting though sometimes VERY dry........2001-08-31
What subject interests us more than the underground world of the Spy? And the British "secret service" has brought us the fictional James Bond, so the image we have when we think of the Brit's contribution to the world of espionage is the elusive 007. This book shows us the true world of spies during the turbulent years of 1792-1815.
Though the book is often very dry and the subject is complex, anyone with a serious interest in the material will probably enjoy it. I know that I've bookmarked several sections to review for research in the future.
No wonder they keep this stuff secret.......2000-03-19
I did enjoy this book - but it is not one I found easy to read. Even with Elizabeth Sparrow's relatively easy style it is difficult at times to unravel the complex relationships and payments - double crosses and so on. The world of subterfuge is a truly murky place.
The book is well set out though and the topic is utterly fascinating. So while I found it difficult to untangle the threads I found the subject compelling.
She has made the divisions in sections and chapters well, so while you can read the book from start to finish for a complete overview - if you have a specific interest in a time period or place it is easy to pick up and read for that period - which is really what I ended up doing.
Perhaps only giving 4 stars is underselling the book because the topic is difficult and Sparrow does do a great job making sense of it. A very impressive job actually - it just didn't grab me by the throat the way some other books do.
I would definitely recommend this book for those with an interest in the British History in this period or for people with an interest in the Napoleonic Wars. Or maybe for people who just want to know how to be sly and cunning - there are some great tips!
A stunning new assessment of a very murky subject.......2000-02-09
It might be thought that effective espionage has only existed in the 20th century, but as the British Director of Military Operations, James Edmonds, commented in 1908, the military successes of Napoleon and Wellington "were largely due to carefully elaborated spy systems". Napoleon himself is reputed to have said that a spy in the right place was worth 40,000 men, although his famous spy Schulmeister was only ever rewarded with plenty of money and not the Legion d'Honneur he reputedly craved. On the other side of the coin, the French would regularly attribute their setbacks to "English gold". The authoress tells the story of the operations run by the British during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Begun by the Aliens Office to control French agitators among the émigrés fleeing Revolutionary France, under Wickham the networks expanded into a system capable of both gathering vital military and political intelligence, while channelling money to the Continental Allies. It should be more accurately described as the activities of both the British and French, as the various French factions and leaders jockey for position backed by Britain. Virtually anyone of any consequence is included, plus unsavoury characters and throughout the story, the shadowy and cunning Joseph Fouche lives a charmed life, keeping just enough incriminating documentation out of Napoleon's way to prevent the Emperor taking decisive action against him. The success of the British network is stunning - they are often in control of the Paris police - as they attempt to support a series of potential new rulers in France (and ultimately Bonaparte). Then, they act in support of their Allies against the expansionist plans of Emperor Napoleon. There were disasters too, especially in 1804, when the network is broken up by Napoleon's men. In fact all the elements of a good spy story are here, including double-crosses, bribes, multiple aliases, assassination conspiracies, spies dressed as monks, the unfortunate souls who found themselves sacrificed to save operations or senior individuals. Naturally, the authoress concentrates on the Anglo-French duel, but there are many interesting details included which influence the Wars in general, notably the Bank of France's near-bankruptcy in Sept 1805. Aside from the murder of Tsar Paul I, something that has remained an opaque subject until this book, she can only briefly look at the activities of the Continental Allies, but there are several smoking guns left east of the Rhine, which are worthy of further investigation. Few books in the last twenty years have added greatly to our knowledge of the Napoleonic period, but this is certainly one of them. Just one word of caution - this is not a James Bond novel! These men were involved in something far more complex and were doing it for real. The first 30 pages or so see a whole series of characters emerging in quick succession as the British deal with the various factions, so take it steady at the start. All becomes clear soon after, especially when the focus turns directly on Consul and later Emperor Napoleon. The real backdrop to many key events emerges - ever wondered how Napoleon eluded the British blockade of Egypt? Essential and worthwhile reading.
Product Description
Based on W. Somerset Maugham's experiences as a Britist secret agent in WWI, these spellbinding interwoven tales are so grippig and realistic that they became required reading for recruits entering British intelligence.
Customer Reviews:
A DATED, PROTRACTED, SOMETIMES RAGGED READ........2007-05-13
I've always enjoyed W. Somerset Maugham's writings, especially his smooth and elegant style. Picked up a copy of this book reprint from Reader's Digest the other day at our local Goodwill store.
Have been reading and enjoying it; however, I fail to see the importance of this book as do many other readers and critics. Firstly since this book concerns itself with a period during WWI into the 1920s, being first published in 1927, the material is very dated, not the writing style itself for it reads very well; but the subject matter is somewhat quaint. Further, the 'stories' are sometimes difficult to link in transition with seemingly a few having nothing of their own to add to the overall story. And, finally, though I served in the military in some small degree in security and intelligence, can find nothing in this book that would warrant requiring new agents to read this book. In addition, since it is freely acknowledged that 'Ashenden' is a novice in spying, being a full time writer, what could a neophyte possibly teach other neophytes entering the field of intelligence. Ashenden frequently admits he knows little to nothing of the work he is called upon to do.
It is a very interesting read from a bygone era, however, I feel many readers and critics are lavishing far too much praise on this book. And I suspect that since the author never wrote another mystery/spy book he too had some reservations of it.
Semper Fi.
Book Description
The American war of independence is entering a new phase. Gone are the days when the British forces could assume an easy victory followed by a heroic return to their homeland. The rebels have established themselves as a scrappy and resilient bunch who will not roll over for the highly trained but incompetently led redcoats.
After a sound defeat and humiliating surrender at Saratoga, Captain Jamie Skoyles and the rest of the surviving members of his British regiment are sequestered in Cambridge, prisoners of war living under the watchful gaze of the rebel army. Frustration is mounting due to both their mistreatment at rebel hands and the indignity of their thrashing on the battlefield. What’s more, Skoyles remains a man divided; while he’s been loyal to the crown for decades, his allegiance is increasingly pulled in the direction of the courageous and steadfast American forces and their noble cause.
Though he’s bound by the accords signed upon the surrender to remain with his men and await shipment back to London, a restless Skoyles escapes and makes his way as a double-agent toward Valley Forge, where the rebel commander General George Washington puts his trust in him. As Skoyles skillfully plays both sides against each other, he is soon faced with a tremendous choice: Will he fulfill his mission and bring down the rebel leader, perhaps turning momentum toward his British countrymen? Or will Skoyles allow his rebel sympathies to control his actions, and squander Britain’s best chance to bring the rebellion to its knees?
Customer Reviews:
well written action-packed historical.......2006-12-16
After the epic battle of Saratoga (see SARATOGA) the rebel colonists capture many British soldiers from His Majesty's 24th Foot regiment including Captain Jamie Skoyles. However with the help of fellow prisoner of war Sergeant Tom Caffrey, they escape from their Cambridge jail. James picks up his frightened girlfriend Elizabeth Rainham and they head to the British controlled stronghold of Philadelphia. Already feeling sympathetic towards the American cause, James cannot help but compare General George Washington and his intrepid but unprepared for the winter angry and despondent Continental Army housed nearby in Valley Forge to the pompous arrogant British leader General William Howe who enjoys the fruit of the city.
Howe becomes irate that this ragtag insurgent force still survives so he decides he needs an insider to provide him with more information. He chooses Jamie to spy on Washington to learn how to destroy the insurgency. Jamie succeeds in getting inside Washington's inner circle, but feels guilty that he is either betraying the intrepid rebel leader and his valid cause, his country, or both.
Because of the depth of detail that vividly provides the audience with insight into the living conditions of the two fighting forces during the winter of 77 and 78, VALLEY FORGE will take some time to read, but worth doing as the tale provides a powerful look at the comparative environments grip readers. Though James is accepted to easily by the American leadership especially Washington, this is a key element enabling the reader to understand the internal conflict of many people during the American Revolution. David Garland has provided a well written action-packed story line that is not fast-paced as two armies bunker down for the winter.
Harriet Klausner
Books:
- Teacher Man: A Memoir
- Textbook of Pediatric Emergency Procedures
- The Apprentice Mage, 1865-1914 (W.B. Yeats: A Life, Vol. 1)
- The Atomic Bomb: Voices from Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Japan in the Modern World)
- The Boleyn Inheritance
- The Camomile Lawn (King Penguin) (King Penguin)
- The Collected Poems of W.B. Yeats
- The Collected Poems of W.B. Yeats
- The Diary of Samuel Pepys (Modern Library)
- The Education of a Christian Woman: A Sixteenth-Century Manual (The Other Voice in Early Modern Europe)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The Friars Club Encyclopaedia of Jokes: 2,000 One-Liners, Straight Lines, Stories, Gags, Roasts, Rib
- History: Fiction or Science
- A Woman in Jerusalem
- Beany Goes to Camp Reissue
- DearS, Vol. 2
- Game Programming Gems 6
- Consumed: How Markets Corrupt Children, Infantilize Adults, and Swallow Citizens Whole
- Under a Wing: A Memoir
- Convention Between Govt of Uk & Estonia for Avoidance of Taxation & Pr
- Smartstart Your Louisiana Business
A Life In Secrets: Vera Atkins and the Missing Agents of WWII
A Man Called Intrepid
Alliance of Enemies: The Untold Story of the Secret American and German Collaboration to End World War II
MY FATHER'S SECRET WAR: A MEMOIR
The Wolves at the Door: The True Story of America's Greatest Female Spy
