This work gives a compelling account of the officer who waged the intelligence battle against Napoleon's army; a forerunner to the great code-breakers of the 20th century. The French army; during the Peninsular War; used a code of unrivalled complexity - the "Great Paris Cipher". Major George Scovell used a network of Spanish guerillas to capture coded French messages; and then set to work decrypting them.
#994389 in Books 2007-01-30 2007-01-30Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.40 x 1.40 x 6.60l; #File Name: 0553804359592 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Very Long-Winded Take on an Interesting RelationshipBy kahemingwayAfter reading another book about Lafayette; and having previously been interested in his relationship with George Washington; I decided this looked like something that I would enjoy reading. While I learned a lot from the book and there were many memorable moments; the book also has certain drawbacks.The book actually starts off by depicting the scene between Washington and Lafayette after the battle of Monmouth; in which the pair sat on top of Washington's cloak and fell asleep side by side. From there; it details first Washington's then Lafayette's early lives before they met in 1777 and documents the many parts both men played in the American Revolution. After the war is over; the book mainly focuses on Lafayette's various political and diplomatic escapades in France. It includes some information about Lafayette's return to America in 1824 for the fiftieth anniversary of the American Revolution before finally wrapping up with his death in 1834.I'll start with the good parts about this book. There is a plethora of information about both George Washington and Lafayette in terms of their roles in the American Revolution and what happened to them after it was all over. The portrayal of the genuinely affectionate relationship between two people; both of whom lost their fathers early; from different backgrounds is touching and it makes these two great men seem more human. The book also comes with a number of illustrations and pictures of the people the book is discussing. It was a nice addition that gave a few visuals to a book full of names; dates and places. I certainly learned a lot not just about Washington and Lafayette; but many other players in the American Revolution as well.On the downside; however; this book is mired down with far too many details. I would have liked this book more if it had focused more on just the relationship between Lafayette and Washington; as it had a tendency to deviate from the pair in question as more and more people were introduced. In addition; it takes a few chapters before you get to the point where Lafayette and Washington actually meet and interact with each other; which was the reason I wanted to read this book in the first place. In short; I think some of the content could have been trimmed down and the book would have been better for it.That being said; this is a very informative book. I did learn a lot of things I didn't know about the two of them by reading it and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in Washington and Lafayette's relationship. If you don't mind reading some wordy and dense material; it is likely you will enjoy this book as well.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very well-researched book and it gave a good introduction to both menBy ARVery well-researched book and it gave a good introduction to both men; their backgrounds; and their ultimate fate while mentioning all their acquaintances and the parties involved in the American Revolution. The inclusion of their letters along with a Who's Who list of names and titles was very helpful; and the paintings and illustrations added a needed visual element to a dense book that needs the reader's time and attention.In the end; it seems both men affected one another in equal measure. Few men can leave their mark on history like Washington and Lafayette.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Lafayette; the boy generalBy C. TravisThe book is an engaging story about the historic friendship between Washington and a young Lafayette. Lafayette was a rich; 19 year old French aristocrat without military experience who lusting for glory came to America of his own accord and volunteered to be a General under Washington. Congress; in its desire to attract French support for the war; appointed Lafayette a major general in the American Army within 50 days of his arrival and without Washington's consent. Washington upon meeting Lafayette is so taken by his boyish charm and magnetic personality that his made him an aide-de-camp without a military command and serving without pay. Washington had no son and Lafayette had no father and they naturally gravitated toward one another. The book centers on the relationship between Washington and Lafayette; but provides pungent insights into the forlorn struggle for American independence. It is less insightful about Lafayette's true contribution to America's war for independence. What the book does give is an entirely different view of the war. About 20 percent of the colonists; called Tories; remained loyal to Britain and would not help the revolution. Approximately half the colonists tried to avoid involvement in the struggle. They would not sell food or give shelter. Patriots were hardly more supportive; they demanded hard money which Washington did not have. The U.S. Congress was not much better. It was a quarrelsome mob with the fractious state governments unwilling and unable to provide money while the troops were starving. Soldiers lack tents; blankets; shoes and clothing. Many solders did not even have guns; they had to wait for someone to die to get a gun. This was not just for one winter at Valley Forge (at Valley Forge 2;500 men (out of 10;000) died from hunger; disease; and exposure.). The suffering went on for 5 years. General Greene said of the situation; "A country overflowing with plenty are now suffering an army; employed for the defense of everything that is dear and valuable; to perish for want of food". "We were absolutely liberally starved;--I so solemnly declare that I did not put a single morsel of victuals into my mouth for four days." "The only reason the whole army did not desert was because the roads were buried in snow". He was not talking about Valley Forge; but the winters of 1776-7 and 1779-80.Washington was not a great battlefield general. What he did was hang on for 5 long years until the French navy came into the war and blockaded British reinforcements and supplies and they were eventually forced to surrender. Washington's great contribution was to keep the army intact; suppress the Loyalists; and avoid defeat. Lafayette's great military accomplishment was to aid in bringing the French into the war; although major credit must go to Benjamin Franklin. Following the war; Lafayette was a national hero in France; but never lived up to his early promise since in maturity Lafayette continued to act with the impulsive rashness of his youth.The major focus of this book is Lafayette and paints an intriguing picture of a brave young man longing for glory. By studying Washington; he learned to be a good general and contributed to several battles. I found the book interesting if for no other reason than to learn about Lafayette; who is so famous in America. If the book has a negative part it is too much focus on the numerous Lafayette letters.
