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Spies, Patriots, and Traitors: American Intelligence in the Revolutionary War
Students and enthusiasts of American history are familiar with the Revolutionary War spies Nathan Hale and Benedict Arnold, but few studies have closely examined the wider intelligence efforts that enabled the colonies to gain their independence. Spies, Patriots, and Traitors provides readers with a fascinating, well-documented, and highly readable account of American intelligence activities during the era of the Revolutionary War, from 1765 to 1783, while describing the intelligence sources and methods used and how our Founding Fathers learned and practiced their intelligence role. The author, a retired CIA officer, provides insights into these events from an intelligence professionalOCOs perspective, highlighting the tradecraft of intelligence collection, counterintelligence, and covert actions and relating how many of the principles of the eraOCOs intelligence practice are still relevant today. Daigler reveals the intelligence activities of famous personalities such as Samuel Adams, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Nathan Hale, John Jay, and Benedict Arnold, as well as many less well-known figures. He examines the important role of intelligence in key theaters of military operations, such as Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and in General Nathanael GreeneOCOs campaign in South Carolina; the role of African Americans in the eraOCOs intelligence activities; undertakings of networks such as the Culper Ring; and intelligence efforts and paramilitary actions conducted abroad. Spies, Patriots, and Traitors adds a new dimension to our understanding of the American Revolution. The bookOCOs scrutiny of the tradecraft and management of Revolutionary War intelligence activities will be of interest to students, scholars, intelligence professionals, and anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating era of American history."
336 pages, Unknown Binding
First published April 1, 2014
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1073 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 14, 2016
Ken Daigler's work provides an exquisite and detailed description of George Washington's education and application of the Art and Science of Intelligence. What Elizabeth I gained from her spymaster, Francis Walsingham, Washington gleaned from first-hand practical experience. Daigler's personal and professional insight and a historian's eye for factual and plausible detail (vs. fanciful or mythical speculation) provide context on how our Independence was really won that goes beyond the elementary textbook.
Not merely a consumer of intelligence, Washington - like Eisenhower - was able to actively direct his Intelligence Community in a way that reduced uncertainty and gained him the competitive edge he needed to achieve political objectives. Throughout this book, we read of Washington learning from mistakes. He valued, protected, and rewarded his agents, analysts and networks. Washington was a principled and pragmatic leader who deserves the admiration and respect accorded to him. We do not read of the finger of blame pointing to "intelligence failures" to excuse operational mistakes.
Not merely a consumer of intelligence, Washington - like Eisenhower - was able to actively direct his Intelligence Community in a way that reduced uncertainty and gained him the competitive edge he needed to achieve political objectives. Throughout this book, we read of Washington learning from mistakes. He valued, protected, and rewarded his agents, analysts and networks. Washington was a principled and pragmatic leader who deserves the admiration and respect accorded to him. We do not read of the finger of blame pointing to "intelligence failures" to excuse operational mistakes.
February 20, 2015
This is a well-researched book. However, I feel the book lacks a good narrative. The author, while very accurate, strung together the citations with little narrative. It made it difficult to read. The events detailed in the book were not necessarily laid out chronologically. A number of the citations are corroborated with other citations, but the way it is relayed in the book it comes across as a bit repetitive. If you are interested in espionage and the Revolutionary War, it is worth reading.
March 8, 2015
The substance of the book is very interesting, and I believe the author to be knowledgeable on the subject with good perspective. Unfortunately, it's just not very well written or organized which makes it a little difficult to get through at times.
December 9, 2021
Well-written for an average history buff not familiar with the intricacies of intelligence-gathering, Daigler covers the topic mostly chronologically from the lead-up to the Revolutionary War to its aftermath. He is admirably qualified for the task, having a background in military service and a master's degree in history, and most notably, being a retired career CIA operations officer.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway for me was learning that the American/French victory at Yorktown, which ultimately decided the outcome of the war in Americans' favor, was only possible because Washington and his spies successfully deceived British Gen. Clinton into expecting an attack on New York City. Thus when Gen. Cornwallis in Virginia urgently requested additional troops be removed from New York and sent to Virginia, Clinton failed to respond. This meant Cornwallis lacked the manpower to win the battle at Yorktown, which had been the American target all along.
I also liked the author's inclusion of an entire chapter on the important contributions of enslaved African Americans to the risky work of intelligence-gathering. Several cited in the book were freed after the war in recognition of their service.
Overall, however, I would have preferred a shorter, less-detailed account, and found it at times a bit tedious to get through, but that is not a criticism of the book, just a comment about my level of interest. I studied it carefully and took notes, in order to lead a book club discussion.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway for me was learning that the American/French victory at Yorktown, which ultimately decided the outcome of the war in Americans' favor, was only possible because Washington and his spies successfully deceived British Gen. Clinton into expecting an attack on New York City. Thus when Gen. Cornwallis in Virginia urgently requested additional troops be removed from New York and sent to Virginia, Clinton failed to respond. This meant Cornwallis lacked the manpower to win the battle at Yorktown, which had been the American target all along.
I also liked the author's inclusion of an entire chapter on the important contributions of enslaved African Americans to the risky work of intelligence-gathering. Several cited in the book were freed after the war in recognition of their service.
Overall, however, I would have preferred a shorter, less-detailed account, and found it at times a bit tedious to get through, but that is not a criticism of the book, just a comment about my level of interest. I studied it carefully and took notes, in order to lead a book club discussion.
March 4, 2023
In Spies, Patriots, and Traitors: American Intelligence in the Revolutionary War, author Kenneth Daigler discusses a subject rarely discussed much less studied with regards to the American Revolutionary War. The extent to which most people you would come into contact with on a daily basis know about the American Revolution, much less the corresponding war, would probably take up less than one full sheet of standard lined notebook paper. This information would most likely consist of individual bullet points, i.e., George Washington, 1776, Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia, redcoats. Maybe, if you were talking to a high school student you might include; Benedict Arnold, minutemen, Paul Revere, Boston Tea Party, and little else.
My point is that the available material in print that covers the political and general military factors involved in the period leading up to and including the American Revolutionary War are vast. This is at least in part to disseminate the mass of information lacking in the public education coverage of this period. However, the specifics of the military aspect of espionage is rather thin. Kenneth Daigler does a good job of bringing to light not only the value that espionage played during the revolution, but provides quite a bit of specificity regarding individuals and actions. All in all I would recommend to anyone desiring a fuller understanding of this all important time period in our nation's history to read Spies, Patriots, and Traitors: American Intelligence in the Revolutionary War.
My point is that the available material in print that covers the political and general military factors involved in the period leading up to and including the American Revolutionary War are vast. This is at least in part to disseminate the mass of information lacking in the public education coverage of this period. However, the specifics of the military aspect of espionage is rather thin. Kenneth Daigler does a good job of bringing to light not only the value that espionage played during the revolution, but provides quite a bit of specificity regarding individuals and actions. All in all I would recommend to anyone desiring a fuller understanding of this all important time period in our nation's history to read Spies, Patriots, and Traitors: American Intelligence in the Revolutionary War.
December 2, 2018
Great info, wish it went more in depth!
I really enjoyed this book. The author takes his background in the intelligence industry and applies it to the history of intelligence and counterintelligence during the Revolutionary War. He places his facts within historical cultural context very well so you get a broad overview of what was happening outside and alongside the typical military history you know about already. My only negative is that despite it already being quite long, I wish the author had gone more in depth on some of the lesser known stories. Highly recommend to anyone interested in the American Revolution.
I really enjoyed this book. The author takes his background in the intelligence industry and applies it to the history of intelligence and counterintelligence during the Revolutionary War. He places his facts within historical cultural context very well so you get a broad overview of what was happening outside and alongside the typical military history you know about already. My only negative is that despite it already being quite long, I wish the author had gone more in depth on some of the lesser known stories. Highly recommend to anyone interested in the American Revolution.
May 11, 2018
This is a really well researched book written from the point of view of an intelligence professional. And it provides a whole new insight into why Washington was known as "The Fox." Daigler really makes the material interesting and relevant, showing how good intelligence can affect not only the battlefield but the political landscape.
December 20, 2024
Overall a good book to describe intelligence operations leading up to, and including, the American Revolution. In my mind, the best Chapter of the book is the detail of Samuel Adams and the work done influencing the civilian population in Massachusetts, and the role that the Sons of Liberty played in that.
April 21, 2021
This had some interesting information, and a unique viewpoint (as coming from a former spy), but the information was poorly organized, and the style and prose were painfully difficult to read at times.
October 28, 2021
Joelle Still Reads Her Bookcase #57
Written by a former member of the CIA, this book involves much less speculation than others. It's a good read, though slightly repetitive. I appreciated the time and thought he gave to African American contributions.
Written by a former member of the CIA, this book involves much less speculation than others. It's a good read, though slightly repetitive. I appreciated the time and thought he gave to African American contributions.
September 25, 2018
DNF
But enjoyed what I read of it.
But enjoyed what I read of it.
February 17, 2019
Loved this book. True story of courage and espionage. So interesting to learn what was going on in counter intelligence during the 70's and 80's. Parts of the book made me a nervous wreck!
Want to read
July 21, 2021Texas DAR Book Club
September 1, 2021
Information book but rather dry in places.
July 12, 2016
I received this book for free through the First Reads program. What follows is my honest opinion of the book.
Spies, Patriots, and Traitors by Kenneth Daigler is a well-documented account of intelligence activities during the Revolutionary War told from an American viewpoint.
Kenneth Daigler is retired CIA officer. This book is very well researched. Much of the information was new to me and interesting. However, the author's pedantic definitions of any intelligence term in more than one instance was a bit annoying. Anyone reading this book would probably have a basic understanding of simple intelligence terms.I felt the glossary at the end of the book would have been sufficient.
The book does a good job of exposing the truth of some of our patriotic folklore. I feel that I know much more about that period of time in our country's history. The downside of all that documentation and research was a book that was a bit hard to read. At points, especially in the beginning, it was dry and not as interesting. As it went along, parts of it became much more interesting. At the conclusion, the author does a critical analysis of the intelligence activities of George Washington and the British. My preference would have been to draw my own conclusions.
This book is highly recommended for the history buff who does not mind a book that is highly footnoted. If you just have a passing interest, I would probably skip it.
Spies, Patriots, and Traitors by Kenneth Daigler is a well-documented account of intelligence activities during the Revolutionary War told from an American viewpoint.
Kenneth Daigler is retired CIA officer. This book is very well researched. Much of the information was new to me and interesting. However, the author's pedantic definitions of any intelligence term in more than one instance was a bit annoying. Anyone reading this book would probably have a basic understanding of simple intelligence terms.I felt the glossary at the end of the book would have been sufficient.
The book does a good job of exposing the truth of some of our patriotic folklore. I feel that I know much more about that period of time in our country's history. The downside of all that documentation and research was a book that was a bit hard to read. At points, especially in the beginning, it was dry and not as interesting. As it went along, parts of it became much more interesting. At the conclusion, the author does a critical analysis of the intelligence activities of George Washington and the British. My preference would have been to draw my own conclusions.
This book is highly recommended for the history buff who does not mind a book that is highly footnoted. If you just have a passing interest, I would probably skip it.
April 28, 2014
This is a Goodreads First Reads review.
Everyone who has read about the Revolutionary War has heard about the Founding Fathers, George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and Paul Revere, but not much has been written about the spying that went on. Having a retired CIA agent tell the story of all the men and women involved adds a great amount of credibility to the narrative. It is rather interesting that some of the undertakings used are still commonplace, and if you are unclear on something there is a handy glossary in the back. This is a definite must read for those interested in early American history or spying.
Everyone who has read about the Revolutionary War has heard about the Founding Fathers, George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and Paul Revere, but not much has been written about the spying that went on. Having a retired CIA agent tell the story of all the men and women involved adds a great amount of credibility to the narrative. It is rather interesting that some of the undertakings used are still commonplace, and if you are unclear on something there is a handy glossary in the back. This is a definite must read for those interested in early American history or spying.
May 28, 2014
A thorough book on all the spy-like and clandestine behaviors during the American Revolution. From the subtleties of Ben Franklin to the failed and obvious Nathan Hale, the reader will get a taste of what things were like during the age of colonial war. What is most fascinating about the book is the way Daigler (a former CIA operations officer) applies the modern interpretation for what some of these folks were doing at the time, sometimes with a critical eye, often insightful. This is the book for people that need something deeper than the lighter and more sensationalistic "George Washington's Secret Six" fluff. A dry narrative is the only impedance to this otherwise excellent book.
March 5, 2018
Spies, Patriots, and Traitors provides a great history of the intelligence operations successes and failures during the Revolutionary war. For those interested in the subject this is a great starting point. I would welcome future books on this subject by Kenneth Daigler that were more in depth on particular details like the French diplomatic efforts with Benjamin Franklin and the Culper Ring.
December 20, 2016
A technical look at intelligence tactics during the American Revolution, from Boston to Yorktown and its aftermath. A helpful read for anyone looking at spies on either side - many are named - and what kind of methods were used on the intelligence side of the war.
October 5, 2015
Endlessly fascinating, but it lacks a strong enough thesis to serve as anything but a compendium of knowledge.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews