The Spy

by James Fenimore Cooper

Overview

Published in 1821, THE SPY took for its theme the American Revolutionary War. Cooper vividly describes the conflicting interests of British and Americans in this tale of valor, fortitude and danger.

Harvey Birch is the hero, a true American and patriot. Birch's various disguises and incredible escapes rivet our attention. He is one of the most memorable characters in American literature, drawn so realistically that many men claimed to be the actual person Cooper had depicted. Flight and hot pursuit, contrasting styles of gentlemen and country folk, and the exciting historical events surrounding our revolution make this story as stirring today as it was on its publication more than a century and a half ago.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781502714527
Publisher:	CreateSpace Publishing
Publication date:	10/05/2014
Pages:	120
Sales rank:	906,005
Product dimensions:	9.90(w) x 6.90(h) x 0.20(d)

About the Author

James Fenimore Cooper (1789-1857) was an American author active during the first half of the 19th century. Though his most popular work includes historical romance fiction centered around pioneer and Native American life, Cooper also wrote works of nonfiction and explored social, political and historical themes in hopes of eliminating the European prejudice against Americans and nurturing original art and culture in America.

Date of Birth:

September 15, 1789

Date of Death:

September 14, 1851

Place of Birth:

Burlington, New Jersey

Place of Death:

Cooperstown, New York

Education:

Yale University (expelled in 1805)

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgments	ix
	Historical Introduction	xiii
	To James Aitchison [1821]	1
	Preface [1821]	2
	Preface to the Second Edition [1822]	6
	To James Aitchison [1822]	8
	Preface to the Third Edition [1822]	9
	Introduction [1831]	12
	Introduction [1849]	17
	The Spy	22
	Explanatory Notes	425
	Textual Commentary	435
	Textual Notes	458
	Emendations	460
	Rejected Readings	546
	Word-Division	550

Editorial Reviews

Written in 1821, this historical novel is Cooper's paean to the Revolutionary War, as protagonist Harry Birch finds himself wrongly accused of selling vital information to the British. The book incorporates several real characters, including George Washington.

Library Journal