Who doesn’t love a good spy story? How about one that really happened and helped secure our freedom from Great Britain? Let’s find out how much I enjoyed Alexander Rose’s Washington’s Spies.
I’d like to preface this by stating the obvious: I love history. I love American Revolution history. I collect books on the American Revolution. This is partly why I want to do these book reviews each month, because I really want to get the word out there about some amazing authors and books on topics you all enjoy as well. And I hope you’ll return the favor by leaving comments with suggestions on future reviews and books you think I should add to my collection.
Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring by Alexander Rose seemed like a good fit for this month. Spies are really in right now. From TURN: Washington’s Spies on AMC (which is based on this book with scenes from season two filmed in the Revolutionary City), to The Americans on FX, and NBC’s new Allegiance, television viewers are interested in a good spy story.
Rose’s book opens with the story of Nathan Hale, a patriot whose failed attempts at spying forced him into the hangman’s noose. Washington’s Spies uses Hale’s mistakes to set up the story of the beginnings of the Culper Spy Ring and how George Washington entrusted a group of New Yorkers to spy for him during the war.
Now, this is a nonfiction book, and it does read like a textbook. I know that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but hear me out. You will learn so much about the history and science behind codes and invisible ink—two things that really stuck out for me. Where else will you learn urine was sometimes used to make secret ink? Don’t believe me? Turn to page 109!
I am a big TURN fan. Two weeks ago, I attended a panel at William & Mary featuring two of the show’s executive producers, some of the actors, and of course, Alexander Rose. One of the questions asked was how they stayed true to the history of the Culper Spy Ring while also making it entertaining. Some facts are moved around and added to certain characters; relationships are created. That’s the entertainment industry. You have to take some liberties. And it works.
Jamie Bell (left) and Alexander Rose (right) during William & Mary’s TURN panel.
If you want the exact timeline and the exact history, give Washington’s Spies a read. Compare and contrast like I did. I won’t go into details because I don’t want to spoil the changes for you avid TURN fans!
One thing I really enjoyed hearing at the panel was how the actors spent so much time learning the intricate details of their characters. They rely on other experts for direction in how to hold a weapon and how to march as a soldier. Yes, you can get paid to be an expert on 18th-century weaponry and work on film and television sets!
Jamie Bell (Abe Woodhull), Heather Lind (Anna Strong), and Samuel Roukin (John Simcoe) speak at the TURN panel.
I enjoyed sitting back and reading Washington’s Spies and I think you will, too. It’s always fascinating to learn about the lives of others, especially when they played what I believe to be major parts in the fight for independence. You can purchase the book at our stores or on Amazon by clicking here. Don’t forget to turn on AmazonSmile with your purchase so you can support Colonial Williamsburg!
You could definitely see your expertise within the work you write.
The world hopes for even more passionate writers like
you who are not afraid to mention how they believe.
All the time go after your heart.
Rachel, I think we ought to include some spy oriented books for the children out there. Spies on the Devil’s Belt by Betsy Haynes (historical fiction based on the Culper Spy Ring): excellent for grades 4+; My Brother Sam is Dead by Collier & Collier (award winning account of the Revolution), historical fiction: excellent for grades 5+; The Bloody Country by Collier & Collier (post Revolution in PA/CT) with lots of spies and underhanded characters; for grades 5+.
These are all well documented books and include a “how much of this story is true” and the reader finds out that a LOT of it was. We could also mention Red Thunder, our own book about spies at Yorktown, good for grades 4+.
Dale, these are great suggestions for those who can’t watch TURN!