For almost two decades; through the War of 1812; James Wilkinson was the senior general in the United States Army. Amazingly; he was also Agent 13 in the Spanish secret service at a time when Spain's empire dominated North America. Wilkinson's audacious career as a double agent is all the more remarkable because it was an open secret; circulated regularly in newspapers and pamphlets. His saga illuminates just how fragile and vulnerable the young republic was: No fewer than our first four presidents turned a blind eye to his treachery and gambled that the mercurial general would never betray the army itself and use it too overthrow the nascent union―a faith that was ultimately rewarded.
#1121871 in Books Grove Press 2004-03-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.06 x .90 x 5.98l; 1.06 #File Name: 0802140610320 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. History with context! What a concept!By John FloraI've read several of Winston Groom's histories and really appreciate the way he starts out with detailed biographies of all of the principal characters and puts the pivotal events into historical perspective. His research is exhaustive and leaves the reader with a much deeper understanding of the people and events than they can get from some other authors.I recommend this book without reservation.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The South's Last HurrahBy Robert BeasleyI grew up in Nashville and lived (in the early 1940's) on a hill where one of the skirmishes of the battle of Nashville was fought. So this is a subject that has interested me all my life. As kids; we used to find spent minie-balls on vacant land and melt them down to make lead toy soldiers. Winston Groom handles the narrative brilliantly; as usual; on a topic too little recognized by most Civil War writers. Hood's campaign through Tennessee towards the end of the war is wonderfully brought to life in all it's controversy and bloodshed. I would highly recommend the book to anyone who has an interest in the war; but particularly those who may have missed this very important part of it. I got to know John Bell Hood as never before.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Shrouds of GloryBy SeraAvionI will read anything by Winston Groom; but this was exceptional. As I was traveling through that area over Xmas; it became even more alive and poignant to me. I have visited many battle sites and can tell you that going to one of them and not reading about it before is a disservice to yourself and to the memory of those that fought and died there. If you want to get the "Full Monty" of the Civil War; read and then visit the battle site. Winston Groom; along with others will lead you step by step through the history of the battles.As you will learn from this book; and others; it is not the side that wins the battle by being victorious; it is the side that makes more mistakes that loses.
