George Washington, Spymaster: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War

Great spy information used during the Revolutionary War. Major George Beckwith, head of British Intelligence in America noted: "Washington did not really outfight the British, he simply outspied us!"
Which is a great compliment considering they couldn't understand how the ragtag farmers were able to fight the battle for so long. So not only did they hold their own in battle, they were outwitted.
George Washington wrote in 1776 "There is one evile I dread, and that is, their spies."
Spy codes included in the book as well as names of known spies and included multiple stories to particular events. I like that the author included all of the "myths" or known stories instead of just one and stating it as fact as so many authors tend to do. I show more would recommend this book for older elementary age. show less

Who doesn’t love an intriguing spy story—especially one that is true? George Washington stars as the United State’s first Spymaster during the Revolutionary War. His skills, and those of his brave agents, are put to the test by the experienced British. Allen masterfully weaves together historical accounts from diaries, letters, and family histories. Events are scrupulously researched and presented in a compelling and even entertaining way. The type font, illustrations, chapter headings, and other details take the reader to the throes of the late 18th century. Fascinating Appendix and Text Notes are an added bonus. Index and bibliographic references also included.

This young adult book published by National Geographic was an interesting read. The book was printed in the style of documents of the 1700’s using a similar font on ivory colored paper and engravings as illustrations. The book tells the lesser know story of how the spy networks that were in use during the Revolutionary War were responsible for America winning the war. Many of the stories in this book I did not know and I recommend it to anyone (young and old) have are interested in American History.

This book tells the story of the Revolutionary War from the angle of the spies who helped win it. The story of America's first spies lends the history a sense of adventure and an immediacy that's lacking in so many historical books for children, making this an excellent choice for kids who have trouble enjoying history. In addition, the book is well-researched and includes the web addresses where readers can find the original letters and journals online. Finally, readers can get involved with the original Revolutionary War codes, making and breaking them themselves. The book contains George Washington's code key, and several codes are tucked away in the margins of the book. Attentive readers who find these codes can use the code key to show more crack the messages! show less

Battle of the Books 2013. I don't feel most middle schoolers will enjoy this book unless they are really into history. It was enlightning for me about George Washington being so much more than our first president and his dental issues. He was a master spy and that according to this account is what won the war;the spy ane espionage aspect. After I read the book, I happened to be at The Henry Ford Museum and got to see some of the artifacts mentioned in the book. That was a WOW moment for me.
In the beginning, tried to keep the characters straight in my mind but without a huge background in history I had to abandon that and just enjoy the story. I did learn a lot I never knew about Benedict Arnold and other individuals I learned in school show more but were just names.
This is a good way to gain knowledge in a fun way. show less

An edifying and quick read, the book is chock full of stories of how Washington ran and used intelligence in the war against the British. A great supplement for kids learning about Colonial America and the Revolution. There are lots of names and at times it can be difficult to follow, but for those who are fascinated by war it's got the details about the strategies and types of codes and double agents that they'll love. For 4th grade and up.

More commonly known as a general, Washington served his country as a spy and spymaster, helping to win the Revolutionary War. This is a biography, but is just as much a story of the spy networks (men and women)used by the Patriots and British during the Revolutionary War. His network of spies used the same tactics used by spies today: dead drops, cyphers, double agents, handlers and sleepers.

The book uses many quotes from primary sources documents like people's journals. Codes and cyphers are hidden throughout, which tell interesting facts about Washington and his spy rings.