The Spy: Isaac Bell #3 (Penguin Classics) - Softcover

Cooper, James Fenimore

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140436286 ISBN 13: 9780140436280

Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group, 1997

Synopsis

James Fenimore Cooper wrote THE SPY in 1821 intending the novel to preserve both the memory and the meaning of the American Revolution. The novel centres around Harry Birch, a man wrongly suspected by the well-born Patriots of being a spy for the British. His character is misread time and time again, making this novel a parable of the American experience, as well as a reminder that the nation's survival depends on judging people by their actions, and not by their class or roots.

About this title

About the Author

JAMES FENIMORE COOPER (1789-1851) was the Walter Scott of America: he wrote romances of the American Revolution and of the Indian wars on the American frontier, including the series known as the Leatherstocking Tales, which included THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS and THE DEERSLAYER (all of which are available in Penguin Clasics).

WAYNE FRANKLIN is the David Distinguished Professor of American Literature at Northeastern University, USA.

From the Back Cover

Inspired by accusations of venality leveled at the men who captured Major Andre (Benedict Arnold's co-conspirator, executed for espionage in 1780), Cooper's novel centers on Harry Birch, a common man wrongly suspected by well-born Patriots of being a spy for the British. Even George Washington, who supports Birch, misreads the man, and when Washington offers him payment for information vital to the Patriot's cause, Birch scorns the money and asserts that his action were motivated not by financial reward, but by his devotion to the fight for independence. A historical adventure tale reminiscent of Sir Walter Scott's Waverley novels, The Spy is also a parable of the American experience, a reminder that the nation's survival, like its Revolution, depends on judging people by their actions, not their class or reputations.

Edition details

• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0140436286
• ISBN 13: 9780140436280
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 448