Turncoats, Traitors and Heroes: Espionage in the American Revolution

by John Bakeless

Besides reexamining in fresh perspective such well-known figures as Paul Revere, Nathan Hale, Benedict Arnold, and John André, the author, a former general staff intelligence officer in World War II, reveals the exploits and tribulations of scores of other spies: Ann Bates, the Tory agent who spied at Washington's headquarters and who, when fleeing for her life, paused to count American artillery; the high-ranking traitor Dr. Benjamin Church, the Continental Army's Director General of Hospitals, caught as a result of a careless mistress; Sergeant Major John Champe, who posed as a deserter from the rebel army in order to capture Benedict Arnold; and many others. From the plot to kidnap George Washington to the fall of Yorktown, here are the clandestine activities of the spies, counterspies, and double agents who risked life and honor in a silent, anonymous shadow war.

Genres: History, American History, Espionage, American Revolution, Nonfiction, War

408 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 1998

Reviews

[Jer Wilcoxen · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF

What I read of this deserves it's three stars, though even for it's time, it's a bit stuffy. If you like your history in story format, and you are interested in Revolutionary War espionage, this book just might be for you. It wasn't for me, I prefer my history in an analytical format, and you won't get that from this book. I didn't remove stars for that, because a review shouldn't be base on a reader's preconceived expectations; but I did mark down a star for the author's artistic license in many places. If you want to write in a story format, fine; but don't include action you are only imagining took place. For what it is, it's a solid three stars, and if this format is you cup of tea, give it a read.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turncoast, Traitors and Heroes is at its best when John Bakeless delves deeply into the exploits of the characters on both side of the revolution, who provide information to their leaders crucial to waging war. These stories come alive, as the author clearly reflects his passion for the subject matter. All too often however, the book reads as a transcript of the various (and overwhelming number of) individuals who played any part as a spy for the British or the Americans. Fewer citations of all of the individuals who served as spies with deeper stories of their exploits and the value of the intelligence would have made for a better read.

[Andrea Chatman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly interesting collection of stories of the spy rings on both sides of the American Revolution. Several well known but many unknown until now. A worthy read for history buffs.

[Liz C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kicked off my interest in espionage during the American Revolution

[Nicki Markus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written and delightfully engaging book on espionage during the American Revolution, highlighting tactics and networks in both camps.

[Nilay Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Great info on the civil war, personal approach with short stories that you can easily finish within an hour.