The spy
About this book
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.
Reader Profile
3.6/5 · 1509 readers · 447 pages · ≈ 8 h 17 m · Demanding
How long does it take to read The spy?
About ≈ 8 h 17 m — 447 pages, assuming roughly 250 words per page at 225 words per minute.
How many pages is The spy?
447 pages in its most-read edition.
What genre is The spy?
It sits on the Historical Fiction, History, Fiction shelves.
Is The spy in the public domain?
Yes — it is free to read and share.
Where does The spy take place?
It is set in United States, New York (State), New York (État) during Revolution, 1775-1783, Revolution, 1775-1783 (Révolution).
Who wrote The spy?
James Fenimore Cooper.
Where can I read The spy online for free?
It is in the public domain — read it free on Open Library