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John André: The Spy Who Turned Benedict Arnold
John André was head of the British Army’s Secret Service in North America as the Revolutionary War entered its most bitter and, ultimately, decisive phase. In 1780, he masterminded the defection of a high-ranking American officer—General Benedict Arnold. Arnold—his name for ever synonymous with treason in American folklore—had recently been appointed commander of West Point and agreed, through André, to turn over to the British this strategically vital fort on the upper reaches of the Hudson River. Control of the fort would interrupt lines of communication between New England and the southern colonies, seriously impeding military operations against the British. The plan was also to simultaneously kidnap General George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. By these two masterstrokes, the British believed they could end rebel resistance.
The secret negotiations between Arnold and André were protracted and fraught with danger. Arnold’s new wife, Peggy became the go-between in the negotiations. Arnold insisted that, to complete negotiations, he and André must meet face to face. At the dead of night on September 21st 1780 the two rendezvoused in no-man’s-land. Sir Henry Clinton, commander of British forces in North America and André’s immediate superior, agreed to this meeting but with three strict conditions: that André not go within the American lines; that he remain in uniform; and that he carry away from the meeting no incriminating papers. Thus, if caught, André could not be treated as a spy.
Yet, when André was captured forty-eight hours later, he was within American lines, had changed into civilian clothes and was carrying maps of West Point hidden in his boots. The Americans had no option other than to treat him as a spy, especially when he himself admitted this. He was convicted by military tribunal and hanged—his death lamented both in America and England.
While biographers agree on the facts of this tragic episode, they disagree on André’s motives and why he chose to sacrifice himself. This new biography of André puts forward a new answer to this mystery—not only why he acted as he did, but how he wished others to see his actions.
The secret negotiations between Arnold and André were protracted and fraught with danger. Arnold’s new wife, Peggy became the go-between in the negotiations. Arnold insisted that, to complete negotiations, he and André must meet face to face. At the dead of night on September 21st 1780 the two rendezvoused in no-man’s-land. Sir Henry Clinton, commander of British forces in North America and André’s immediate superior, agreed to this meeting but with three strict conditions: that André not go within the American lines; that he remain in uniform; and that he carry away from the meeting no incriminating papers. Thus, if caught, André could not be treated as a spy.
Yet, when André was captured forty-eight hours later, he was within American lines, had changed into civilian clothes and was carrying maps of West Point hidden in his boots. The Americans had no option other than to treat him as a spy, especially when he himself admitted this. He was convicted by military tribunal and hanged—his death lamented both in America and England.
While biographers agree on the facts of this tragic episode, they disagree on André’s motives and why he chose to sacrifice himself. This new biography of André puts forward a new answer to this mystery—not only why he acted as he did, but how he wished others to see his actions.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 5, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 9, 2024
Much controversy has been tied to the name of Major John André—both during his capture and execution as an alleged spy for the British Cause, as well as his subsequent martyrdom in Great Britain where his memory was crowned in laurels and a monument created in his honor as a testament to his devotion for King and Country. Historian Dr. D.A.B. Ronald brings an all encompassing account of his life, from his boyhood and through to his ever-promising military career—a short-lived tragic end that even the most gifted and recognized of the Continental Army would shed tears over. Early on, it is made clear that what sets this work apart from previous biographies is the fact that it uses André’s letters and musings written before the start of the Revolution, revealing a dynamic and captivating side of the British Officer, rather than the usual sole focus on his blunder with Benedict Arnold.
Persecuted as Huguenots in Catholic France, the André family builds a new life in England where John’s father makes a remarkable rise into British Aristocracy as a speculator and lender. This allows his first born son a first class education with Enlightenment leanings and Whig principles, and he subsequently takes young John under his wing in lending and the global stock exchange. It’s apparent from the beginning that Ronald has thoroughly researched his subject, where almost every sentence is followed by appropriate citations in a manner and prose that is highly appealing—quite an astonishing feat when holding the attention of the reader with a treasure trove of facts and details. John’s bright hopes are soon dashed when his father’s stock-jobbing schemes and insider trades with the East India Company’s stock come crashing down in an all-too-inevitable market bubble, leading to the family’s disgrace only after his father’s rather convenient yet ill-timed death.
Ronald masterfully devotes much attention to André’s early love triangle with both the budding poet Anna Seward, and her acquaintance Honora Sneyd—an attraction sparked at a Shakespeare masquerade—which would further develop into a relationship via flowery correspondence until fluttering out with John’s deployment. Seward would later write a famous posthumous homage to André’s memory and military prestige, and at the same time publish their letters showing a romantic and valiant side even in his youth. André’s decision to enlist in the Royal Welch Fusiliers would be a godsend, as from there it would catapult him to the famed Royal English Fusilier brigade where his merit and prestige would not go unnoticed by his commanding officer. Ronald explains that his Enlightenment ideals as an artist and prolific writer would allow him to get to know the very inner circles of Europe that would further help British military prospects and intelligence—hence he was selected for a tour across the Continent, which would prove fruitful and serve as a training ground for his later exploits in the Colonies.
Never skipping a beat, Ronald covers all aspects of André’s life across the Atlantic—from his disembarkment in Canada, to his time spent as a prisoner of war early on in the Revolutionary War—where he would meet both Loyalists and Patriot officials alike. Here he would document his stay in both journal and maps, earn the trust and regard of the populace, embrace an esteem for the Continental Army yet abhorrence to the maliciousness of Congress—and most consequentially—gather local intelligence. Indeed, this would prove vital in bringing him under the wing of General Charles Grey with the rank of Captain, and more notably capturing the high regard of none other than British Commander-in-Chief William Howe. André’s military career would continue to rise at an unprecedented and rapid pace, where Ronald devotes much attention to his merits both in the field and as a trusted associate of those higher in command:
John went further still, using the letter to Stansbury to showcase to Clinton his command of intelligence techniques. Promoting himself as a spymaster-in-the-making already proficient in the necessary intelligence tradecraft, John reeled off a series of technical instructions, ordering Stansbury to ‘leave me a long book similar to yours’, setting up a secret code in which Three Numbers make a word’ with ‘the number representing the word’ and explaining that ‘in writings to be discover’d by a process, F is fire A acid.’
In 1778, he would peak in becoming the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief Henry Clinton’s aide-de-camp, with a subsequent promotion to Major. Ronald hints at a romantic—albeit questionable—liaison between the beautiful Margaret ‘Peggy’ Shippen and André, though he spends more time detailing their acquaintanceship and ensuing conspiracy of reeling in the down on his luck Continental General, Benedict Arnold. The reader already familiar with the West Point treason plot will find Ronald’s interpretation of the affair magnificent, with his ease of chronicling each and every minute detail of both André’s and Arnold’s actions and correspondence—where one merely dances over the head of the other in a psychological game of wits and patience. The clear lack in judgement on André’s part, altogether made worse by an indecisive and reluctant commander-in-chief, prove Arnold’s brilliance in quietly pulling the strings for his own sake—with much less to lose when the eventual blunders finally snowball into a meaningless disappointment for the British.
While this would be the final and most nail-biting of five distinct parts, Ronald devotes equal attention to all aspects of André’s life throughout the text, and appropriately summarizes the aftermath of the young Major’s sentence and lamentable hanging in a concise epilogue. Ronald proves an exceptional biographer and has unquestionably drafted the definitive account of André’s life, leaving the reader eager and hopeful for future works. Maps and illustrations can be found throughout—including André’s own sketches, belongings, and self-portraits—as well as rare memorabilia and full-color miniatures generously provided by his descendants.
Persecuted as Huguenots in Catholic France, the André family builds a new life in England where John’s father makes a remarkable rise into British Aristocracy as a speculator and lender. This allows his first born son a first class education with Enlightenment leanings and Whig principles, and he subsequently takes young John under his wing in lending and the global stock exchange. It’s apparent from the beginning that Ronald has thoroughly researched his subject, where almost every sentence is followed by appropriate citations in a manner and prose that is highly appealing—quite an astonishing feat when holding the attention of the reader with a treasure trove of facts and details. John’s bright hopes are soon dashed when his father’s stock-jobbing schemes and insider trades with the East India Company’s stock come crashing down in an all-too-inevitable market bubble, leading to the family’s disgrace only after his father’s rather convenient yet ill-timed death.
Ronald masterfully devotes much attention to André’s early love triangle with both the budding poet Anna Seward, and her acquaintance Honora Sneyd—an attraction sparked at a Shakespeare masquerade—which would further develop into a relationship via flowery correspondence until fluttering out with John’s deployment. Seward would later write a famous posthumous homage to André’s memory and military prestige, and at the same time publish their letters showing a romantic and valiant side even in his youth. André’s decision to enlist in the Royal Welch Fusiliers would be a godsend, as from there it would catapult him to the famed Royal English Fusilier brigade where his merit and prestige would not go unnoticed by his commanding officer. Ronald explains that his Enlightenment ideals as an artist and prolific writer would allow him to get to know the very inner circles of Europe that would further help British military prospects and intelligence—hence he was selected for a tour across the Continent, which would prove fruitful and serve as a training ground for his later exploits in the Colonies.
Never skipping a beat, Ronald covers all aspects of André’s life across the Atlantic—from his disembarkment in Canada, to his time spent as a prisoner of war early on in the Revolutionary War—where he would meet both Loyalists and Patriot officials alike. Here he would document his stay in both journal and maps, earn the trust and regard of the populace, embrace an esteem for the Continental Army yet abhorrence to the maliciousness of Congress—and most consequentially—gather local intelligence. Indeed, this would prove vital in bringing him under the wing of General Charles Grey with the rank of Captain, and more notably capturing the high regard of none other than British Commander-in-Chief William Howe. André’s military career would continue to rise at an unprecedented and rapid pace, where Ronald devotes much attention to his merits both in the field and as a trusted associate of those higher in command:
John went further still, using the letter to Stansbury to showcase to Clinton his command of intelligence techniques. Promoting himself as a spymaster-in-the-making already proficient in the necessary intelligence tradecraft, John reeled off a series of technical instructions, ordering Stansbury to ‘leave me a long book similar to yours’, setting up a secret code in which Three Numbers make a word’ with ‘the number representing the word’ and explaining that ‘in writings to be discover’d by a process, F is fire A acid.’
In 1778, he would peak in becoming the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief Henry Clinton’s aide-de-camp, with a subsequent promotion to Major. Ronald hints at a romantic—albeit questionable—liaison between the beautiful Margaret ‘Peggy’ Shippen and André, though he spends more time detailing their acquaintanceship and ensuing conspiracy of reeling in the down on his luck Continental General, Benedict Arnold. The reader already familiar with the West Point treason plot will find Ronald’s interpretation of the affair magnificent, with his ease of chronicling each and every minute detail of both André’s and Arnold’s actions and correspondence—where one merely dances over the head of the other in a psychological game of wits and patience. The clear lack in judgement on André’s part, altogether made worse by an indecisive and reluctant commander-in-chief, prove Arnold’s brilliance in quietly pulling the strings for his own sake—with much less to lose when the eventual blunders finally snowball into a meaningless disappointment for the British.
While this would be the final and most nail-biting of five distinct parts, Ronald devotes equal attention to all aspects of André’s life throughout the text, and appropriately summarizes the aftermath of the young Major’s sentence and lamentable hanging in a concise epilogue. Ronald proves an exceptional biographer and has unquestionably drafted the definitive account of André’s life, leaving the reader eager and hopeful for future works. Maps and illustrations can be found throughout—including André’s own sketches, belongings, and self-portraits—as well as rare memorabilia and full-color miniatures generously provided by his descendants.
March 10, 2022
This was more of a mixed bag than I had hoped. On the one hand, it is meticulously researched and compiled, with great care taken by the author to treat the memory of Major John André with respect and care. It feels comprehensive and well-considered in all respects.
On the other hand, it is so meticulously compiled that the first 2/3 of the work bordered on severe tedium. I'm well-versed in nonfiction, and I know it can be dry at times, but this was too much even for me. To that end, I feel that D. A. B. Ronald failed to translate the density of research, in regards to André's early life, into a narrative both accessible and compelling to the Layman. It does pick up considerably once the famous plot blossoms into the drama we're all familiar with but, as others have noted, the author takes great liberty in drawing wild conclusions at times, especially in regards to the possible romance between Peggy Shippen and André, as well as Arnold's supposedly murderous intent.
In conclusion, I'd call this a good biography, but not the great and definitive work on Major André that I had hoped for, and that I so much desire. I'll have to hold out for something more my speed.
On the other hand, it is so meticulously compiled that the first 2/3 of the work bordered on severe tedium. I'm well-versed in nonfiction, and I know it can be dry at times, but this was too much even for me. To that end, I feel that D. A. B. Ronald failed to translate the density of research, in regards to André's early life, into a narrative both accessible and compelling to the Layman. It does pick up considerably once the famous plot blossoms into the drama we're all familiar with but, as others have noted, the author takes great liberty in drawing wild conclusions at times, especially in regards to the possible romance between Peggy Shippen and André, as well as Arnold's supposedly murderous intent.
In conclusion, I'd call this a good biography, but not the great and definitive work on Major André that I had hoped for, and that I so much desire. I'll have to hold out for something more my speed.
December 13, 2019
An in depth look that paints a portrait of a sensitive, deeply honorable young man. Light on context for the events it talks about: for instance, I still really have no understanding of the convoluted financial crisis regarding the East India Company that led to André’s father committing suicide.
The final twenty per cent or so of the book is devoted to the Benedict Arnold affair. Ronald sees both Arnold and André as concealing their true motives during events. His contention that André, once captured, deliberately threw himself under the bus, guaranteeing his own execution in order to keep any suspicion from falling on Arnold’s wife Peggy seems credible, but it hinges on accepting the idea that André and Peggy Arnold were in love, a romantic hypothesis which still seems to me like it simply hasn’t yet been disproven rather than having been proven through evidence.
On the other hand, Ronald’s position that Benedict Arnold deliberately engineered André’s capture and execution so that he could receive his reward for defecting to the British Army even without delivering West Point to them is harder to swallow. Arnold certainly seems to have been narcissistic and dishonorable enough to have done that by that point, but, in Ronald’s telling, it’s the sort of one-man conspiracy so convoluted that it would have required a montage at the end of the movie showing us all the things that were REALLY going on in all the previous scenes where we, the audience, didn’t realise we were being played. It would have relied at multiple points on being able to predict exactly how different people were going to react in different situations, in a way that just doesn’t work in real life.
The final twenty per cent or so of the book is devoted to the Benedict Arnold affair. Ronald sees both Arnold and André as concealing their true motives during events. His contention that André, once captured, deliberately threw himself under the bus, guaranteeing his own execution in order to keep any suspicion from falling on Arnold’s wife Peggy seems credible, but it hinges on accepting the idea that André and Peggy Arnold were in love, a romantic hypothesis which still seems to me like it simply hasn’t yet been disproven rather than having been proven through evidence.
On the other hand, Ronald’s position that Benedict Arnold deliberately engineered André’s capture and execution so that he could receive his reward for defecting to the British Army even without delivering West Point to them is harder to swallow. Arnold certainly seems to have been narcissistic and dishonorable enough to have done that by that point, but, in Ronald’s telling, it’s the sort of one-man conspiracy so convoluted that it would have required a montage at the end of the movie showing us all the things that were REALLY going on in all the previous scenes where we, the audience, didn’t realise we were being played. It would have relied at multiple points on being able to predict exactly how different people were going to react in different situations, in a way that just doesn’t work in real life.
March 26, 2021
I appreciate the depth of research went into this biography. It is full of pictures and quotes, and the author clearly spared no effort to find every tidbit of information that exists related to Major John Andre. This book is a valuable resource for anyone who would like to know more about the young officer who has been long mourned by his own countrymen and those who captured and executed him alike.
That being said, the author also comes to some strange conclusions based on the strength of feelings and relationships that can really only be guessed at in the Benedict Arnold - Peggy Shippen - John Andre (possible) love triangle. I especially remain curious regarding the conclusion that Benedict Arnold intended for Andre to be captured and killed. Given that Arnold intended to switch sides, why would this be his goal? Because he thought his wife was in love with Andre? There is no evidence that she was or that Arnold believed she was. Arnold lived his remaining life in infamy, a traitor to his country and untrusted by the British. Would he not have been better off had Andre lived? I'm not saying it's not possible, but I don't understand how the author is so certain that this was the case.
He also states with the same certainty that, once captured, Andre sacrificed himself in order to keep suspicion from Peggy. This rings even less true than Arnold's purposely leaving Andre to the enemy. Even if Andre was in love with Peggy, she was under no suspicion and women were not hanged in the Revolutionary War. Again, maybe it's true, but I just don't get there given the evidence available.
(I would love to discuss these topics if anyone else felt differently - hit me up!)
If one looks at the assertions made in this book as possible theories rather than clear truths, it is an enjoyable read with much valuable information on the too-short life of tragic John Andre.
That being said, the author also comes to some strange conclusions based on the strength of feelings and relationships that can really only be guessed at in the Benedict Arnold - Peggy Shippen - John Andre (possible) love triangle. I especially remain curious regarding the conclusion that Benedict Arnold intended for Andre to be captured and killed. Given that Arnold intended to switch sides, why would this be his goal? Because he thought his wife was in love with Andre? There is no evidence that she was or that Arnold believed she was. Arnold lived his remaining life in infamy, a traitor to his country and untrusted by the British. Would he not have been better off had Andre lived? I'm not saying it's not possible, but I don't understand how the author is so certain that this was the case.
He also states with the same certainty that, once captured, Andre sacrificed himself in order to keep suspicion from Peggy. This rings even less true than Arnold's purposely leaving Andre to the enemy. Even if Andre was in love with Peggy, she was under no suspicion and women were not hanged in the Revolutionary War. Again, maybe it's true, but I just don't get there given the evidence available.
(I would love to discuss these topics if anyone else felt differently - hit me up!)
If one looks at the assertions made in this book as possible theories rather than clear truths, it is an enjoyable read with much valuable information on the too-short life of tragic John Andre.
December 8, 2018
I have been deeply interested in John André for several years now. I have read anything and everything I can find on him, from contemporary documents (including his own writings) to later biographies, and of the latter, this one by D.A.B. Ronald is my favourite so far. I appreciate the amount of time he spends on André's early years, which many authors gloss over in order to get to the Revolutionary days. This is a nicely balanced work that takes time to assess what in André's psychology and background led him to make the choices he did. The biography is well researched, and it's clear Ronald is passionate about his subject. This is definitely a book I would like to acquire in hard copy to keep on my shelf as it's a gripping and detailed account of the life of cher Jean.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2021
I wanted to like this more than I did. A tedious first half comes to life with Arnold’s treachery. Well written but a frankly implausible premise and conclusion. A mixed bag for me.
March 19, 2024
It's obvious that Ronald did considerable research and work on this history. Unfortunately the quality and style of this work changes considerably in the last fifth or so, and shifts from independent scholar/history to borderline historical fiction.
In the first four-fifths of his work we're provided with a rich history, based upon letters and other primary source materials, that provides the reader with insight into Andre's family, upbringing, his motivation for joining the British Army, and his early military career. It's overly detailed at times, but the evidence is direct, it reads well, and it does a great job of keeping one's interest.
The final fifth which covers what Andre is arguably most known for--his recruitment of Benedict Arnold--drops in quality. Ronald makes a lot of assumptions and claims with minimal evidence and very loose connections, and his citations and citations of primary sources taper off considerably here.
The speculation that Arnold deliberately trapped Andre, or that Andre and Peggy Shippen were lovers is interesting in it's own right, but I would have preferred if the author presented an argument, made a case for why other historians are potentially wrong or incomplete, and then tested his hypothesis against his evidence.
In the first four-fifths of his work we're provided with a rich history, based upon letters and other primary source materials, that provides the reader with insight into Andre's family, upbringing, his motivation for joining the British Army, and his early military career. It's overly detailed at times, but the evidence is direct, it reads well, and it does a great job of keeping one's interest.
The final fifth which covers what Andre is arguably most known for--his recruitment of Benedict Arnold--drops in quality. Ronald makes a lot of assumptions and claims with minimal evidence and very loose connections, and his citations and citations of primary sources taper off considerably here.
The speculation that Arnold deliberately trapped Andre, or that Andre and Peggy Shippen were lovers is interesting in it's own right, but I would have preferred if the author presented an argument, made a case for why other historians are potentially wrong or incomplete, and then tested his hypothesis against his evidence.
December 22, 2024
Leaving a temporary review because I'm halfway through and I doubt my current assessment will significantly change. This is a massive disappointment. It had the potential to be the definitive biography of André, because it covers André's pre-America life and his family far more extensively than previous biographers and the author keeps saying that he wants to give talk about André in the context of his time, which is exactly what I want from a biography in general, but especially for André. (A major problem with writing about André in general is that people tend to act like he existed in a vacuum, which is ridiculous even for weird hermit cranks who avoided people, but really doesn't work for John André, the most social human being in the British Empire. Like the story about him stealing stuff from Franklin's house - in Flexner it sounds shocking and out of character for someone as nice as he was, because you only hear about him stealing things and Knyphausen on the other hand taking an inventory to make sure everything was there when he left, but then if you read With The British Army in Philadelphia, it really sounds like the British trashed the place, and him taking a few souvenirs, either on his own or at Charles Grey's request, seems a lot less odd. Also pretty much everyone writing about the Meschianza ever sounds about five minutes away from claiming that he not only came up with the whole thing, he played five of the knights, one squire, and two of the ladies, AND he had General Howe recalled to England specifically so he could have a giant Medieval Times-style party. I do not think he deserves the amount of credit - or blame - for this that he's being given.)
Unfortunately D. A. B. Ronald is a batshit insane conspiracy theorist who can't stand to see André less than perfect at anything. Let the poor guy get dumped by his first girlfriend because she thought he was dumb, for heaven's sake. (Ok, that's not exactly what happened, but Ronald takes issue with Edgeworth claiming that Honora Sneyd wasn't sad that the relationship fizzled out because André "never possessed the reasoning mind she required" (which is how I'm going to reject people from now on) because he said Edgeworth "didn't understand what truly motivated John". It's really not clear wtf was going on with that relationship, but I'd stake "Honora's lack of interest finally made it through the skull of the 19-year-old boy pursuing her and the whole thing fizzled out" over "John left to restore his family's honor".)
By "conspiracy theorist" I don't mean he doesn't believe in birds, I mean he has a nasty habit of making wild claims based on flimsy or no evidence, and including citations that, when you check, don't actually support the conclusions he's just drawn. They'll be, for example, for the quote from a newspaper article that he just used, but they won't prove in any way that John André was the anonymous author of the article. And he doesn't make it clear that he's speculating. There have also been places where he misinterprets the sources he's quoting.
And unfortunately it's impossible to just completely pitch this book out the window because he does have a lot of actual new information, but you can't trust him at all. I want someone to take away his research and give it to someone sane.
Oh, yeah, and it's poorly enough written that I read an excerpt to my mother (a former journalist and editor) because I was explaining to her how Ronald keeps accidentally making André sound like a sociopath, and she went, "This is terrible," and grabbed the book out of my hands to try and figure out if it was published by a real publisher. So then I felt less bad about how long it was taking me to get through it.
Unfortunately D. A. B. Ronald is a batshit insane conspiracy theorist who can't stand to see André less than perfect at anything. Let the poor guy get dumped by his first girlfriend because she thought he was dumb, for heaven's sake. (Ok, that's not exactly what happened, but Ronald takes issue with Edgeworth claiming that Honora Sneyd wasn't sad that the relationship fizzled out because André "never possessed the reasoning mind she required" (which is how I'm going to reject people from now on) because he said Edgeworth "didn't understand what truly motivated John". It's really not clear wtf was going on with that relationship, but I'd stake "Honora's lack of interest finally made it through the skull of the 19-year-old boy pursuing her and the whole thing fizzled out" over "John left to restore his family's honor".)
By "conspiracy theorist" I don't mean he doesn't believe in birds, I mean he has a nasty habit of making wild claims based on flimsy or no evidence, and including citations that, when you check, don't actually support the conclusions he's just drawn. They'll be, for example, for the quote from a newspaper article that he just used, but they won't prove in any way that John André was the anonymous author of the article. And he doesn't make it clear that he's speculating. There have also been places where he misinterprets the sources he's quoting.
And unfortunately it's impossible to just completely pitch this book out the window because he does have a lot of actual new information, but you can't trust him at all. I want someone to take away his research and give it to someone sane.
Oh, yeah, and it's poorly enough written that I read an excerpt to my mother (a former journalist and editor) because I was explaining to her how Ronald keeps accidentally making André sound like a sociopath, and she went, "This is terrible," and grabbed the book out of my hands to try and figure out if it was published by a real publisher. So then I felt less bad about how long it was taking me to get through it.
June 29, 2025
Wish I could give this book five stars but it does fall a bit short in a few details. Overall though, I found the book to be full of helpful information. I found the information regarding the state of the UK just prior to the revolution very helpful and eye opening. Food riots in an industrialized country? Seriously? And what was good old king “farmer” George’s answer? Send in the army. Nothing like a few gunshots to make you feel less hungry, right?
The author does have a few theories about André and his contemporaries. The theory that Benedict Arnold planned for André to be captured makes sense. There was way too much of a hot mess happening after their meeting and Arnold planning it makes total sense than believing it was all due to lack of planning or accidental. The reason made sense too. If congress wont pay him and the king won’t pay him, Benedict taking matters into his own hands makes total sense. The theoretical plan: if André meets him in person, alone with no witnesses, and then conveniently dies, who’s to say what was promised to Benedict? And the UK would have to pay up if they wanted more turn coats. The theory makes sense.
But the theory that the plans of West Point that Arnold was providing being false, I was not convinced. It would make sense considering he knew he might have to back pedal in a hurry, but I just didn’t see enough evidence.
The author brought up instances of André having possible romantic attachments but I did not see enough evidence behind them. The letter quotes from Honora and Anna do not sound in the least like true romance as much as playful flirting among friends. Was there something between André and Peggy? Not enough information. It’s possible that André was asexual but there were certainly rumors about homosexuality. This was never covered in the book. Why? It’s certainly a possibility worth considering and would have given another facet to his character. Being gay in the 1770’s certainly would have given André a lesson in hiding his true self from people right from the beginning which could explain why he was such a good spy.
He left all his personal papers to a male friend, instructing him to go through everything and destroy what he thought best. He also put that guy in his will. He also left his ring to one of his male friends. Why was none of this examined in the book?
The author does have a few theories about André and his contemporaries. The theory that Benedict Arnold planned for André to be captured makes sense. There was way too much of a hot mess happening after their meeting and Arnold planning it makes total sense than believing it was all due to lack of planning or accidental. The reason made sense too. If congress wont pay him and the king won’t pay him, Benedict taking matters into his own hands makes total sense. The theoretical plan: if André meets him in person, alone with no witnesses, and then conveniently dies, who’s to say what was promised to Benedict? And the UK would have to pay up if they wanted more turn coats. The theory makes sense.
But the theory that the plans of West Point that Arnold was providing being false, I was not convinced. It would make sense considering he knew he might have to back pedal in a hurry, but I just didn’t see enough evidence.
The author brought up instances of André having possible romantic attachments but I did not see enough evidence behind them. The letter quotes from Honora and Anna do not sound in the least like true romance as much as playful flirting among friends. Was there something between André and Peggy? Not enough information. It’s possible that André was asexual but there were certainly rumors about homosexuality. This was never covered in the book. Why? It’s certainly a possibility worth considering and would have given another facet to his character. Being gay in the 1770’s certainly would have given André a lesson in hiding his true self from people right from the beginning which could explain why he was such a good spy.
He left all his personal papers to a male friend, instructing him to go through everything and destroy what he thought best. He also put that guy in his will. He also left his ring to one of his male friends. Why was none of this examined in the book?
March 13, 2024
For those of us who are only amateur historians, this book was way too detailed and failed to explain many contexts. I read a lot of history, but I lacked an understanding of the background that the author takes for granted that the reader will understand. I wanted to like this book, as John Andre has an interesting story, but I gave up 25% of the way in. Perhaps this book is aimed at those who are academics, but it is not a fun or interesting read for a non-expert audience.
June 21, 2019
Very well researched with a good deal of attention placed on his early life and the circumstances that shaped his future.
March 29, 2020
Ronald's book provides a great deal of insight into the development of a British officer, in this case, Andre. A well documented and sourced review of Andre's life.
January 25, 2023
The book started with some facts and ended with ridiculous, baseless speculation. It isn’t often that I regret reading a history book, but this one qualifies.
August 29, 2022
Interesting, but oh-so tedious. I gave up before John ever got to America.
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