Dealt with some facts I didn't know about George Washington. Recommended by a friend who lives in Annapolis and with whom I toured Mount Vernon. Interesting and quick read.

A nice overview of the topic; detailed enough to be interesting.

This is a thoroughly engaging and fascinating book for young people - however it is just as great for an adult audience. It is said that the reason for the victory of the continental army over the more powerful and better equipped British in the revolutionary War was mainly attributed to Washington being a superb spymaster. This much is backed up in this really cool "guide" to spies and spying in the Revolutionary War. The book's format and layout is unique. It has an "old school" almost classical design and style. There are examples of spies and techniques as well as chapters dedicated to some of the famous (Nathan Hale) and not-so-famous individuals who took part in classical examples of espionage including most notably the Culper Spy Ring which operated not far (NYC) from where I live in Central New Jersey. My favorite chapters involve the intrigue leading up to the Battle of Trenton - won in large part to Washington's expert use of local "loyalist merchant" who served as a key spy for the Americans and tricked both sides! This book is a part of a small series (the other is about Harriet Tubman) that can be found in most libraries - and in some cases in book/gift shops at historic sites. Highly Recommended!

interesting history about spying and how George Washington needed it to win the war. Made me wonder how much of the information we received today has just been created to deflect us from other things. propaganda and half truths were an important part of Americas battle for independence

George Washington, spy master; who the Americans out spied the British and won the Revolution War by Thomas B. Allen. This is an amazing non-fiction book/ bibliography about all the great things Washington did to help our country. This book took me about two months to read. It was full of history and things I never knew that Washington had accomplished or said during his lifetime. George Washington was an American Hero and Leader who lead our country.
I love how the author used such descriptive words and imagery to let the read feel the emotions, excitement and terror of that time. I especially enjoyed how the author had pictures put in to really make the imagery come alive. This helped explain the story and he also added in text to explain the picture even more and to introduce people's names in events that had taken place. I suggest this book to teens who love history and want to learn more about our country. This book explores beyond the world of fairytales. This book does a wonderful job of reminding people what had happened, what people went through and fought for our freedom.

Definitely written for children. Still, a quick read that has some fascinating info about espionage during the American Revolution.

Walking through the National Portrait Gallery in DC, the huge portrait of George Washington greeted us as we entered the Presidential Portraits section. My eight-year-old nephew pointed excitedly at the painting and proudly announced that he knew who that man was. A spy!

Thomas B. Allen has done a wonderful job of taking a complex subject that was designed to be difficult to understand and making it accessible. Don't make the mistake of thinking George Washington, Spymaster is "just for kids." Adults will also enjoy the true tales of Revolutionary spies and may appreciate the attention to detail offered, right down to the typeface used. A winner for anyone who is interested in the American Revolution.

Liked it, a lot of the personalities and events are touched on other writings from the time about the spy's this consolidated it all.

A succinct overview of the Culper spy ring. If I have my kids read it, I will suggest they write down names and who they spied for or spied on.

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 would recommend this book for older elementary age.

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 but were just names.
This is a good way to gain knowledge in a fun way.

I love reading about this topic, and I thought this book was fun and informative. Great for young adult readers and adults alike. The best part of this book is the little lines in code sprinkled throughout, and the authentic instructions to crack the code at the end. Gives a really good feel for how the spies operated- what fun! Knocked a star off because some of the language was confusing in the chapter about double agents, and I think maybe the importance of certain aspects was potentially exaggerated for effect, but overall an excellent and engaging book.