Edward Bancroft

Selected as a Choice Outstanding Academic Title for 2011 in the North America category. -- Choice Outstanding Academic Title * Choice * Thomas Schaeper presents an intriguing, full biography of one of the eighteenth century's most brilliant and multifaceted figures: scientist, author, speculator, entrepreneur, and double agent Edward Bancroft. He offers a thoroughly researched, fair and balanced reappraisal of both Bancroft and British espionage in Europe during the American Revolution, and in doing so rescues Bancroft from melodramatic OSS and Cold War-infused spy narratives. - Elizabeth M. Nuxoll, Editor, The Papers of John Jay, Columbia University -- Elizabeth M. Nuxoll A wonderful book which fills a major gap in the history of the American Revolution. Through exhaustive research, Schaeper has uncovered much information about the widely misunderstood master spy Bancroft. His book is as entertaining as it is scholarly. Highly recommended not only to academics but also to general readers. -Jonathan R. Dull, author of A Diplomatic History of the American Revolution -- Jonathan R. Dull Schaeper in the first scholar to explore Bancroft's life in detail and to treat his activities as a spy in a sober, intelligent fashion. He explodes the myths and conspiracy theories of many modern authors who have traduced Bancroft's reputation and with it the reputations of all those associated with him. -Harry Dickinson, University of Edinburgh -- Harry Dickinson This is the first full-length treatment of the life of Edward Bancroft. It corrects a great many mistakes and misinterpretations, and for that reason is a valuable contribution to the historical record. In particular, the account of Bancroft's work as a spy in Paris is terrific; I enjoyed it a great deal. -Alan Houston, author of Benjamin Franklin and the Politics of Improvement -- Alan Houston Well researched and well paced. Recommended to undergraduates and general readers with an interest in espionage or American history. -Library Journal * Library Journal * A must for any lover of American Colonial history. -M.A. Byron, Choice -- M.A. Byron * Choice * [E]ngaging . . . By providing a wealth of detail about the life and times of this much-execrated man, Schaeper balances and softens what has conventionally been seen as Bancroft's harsh character. -Edmund S. Morgan, The New York Review of Books -- Edmund Morgan * The New York Review of Books *