A Spy in Williamsburg
Author:
Isabelle Lawrence
Illustrator:
Manning Lee
Publication:
1955 by Rand McNally
Genre:
Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery
Series:
"A Spy In" Series 
Members Only
Pages:
224
Current state:
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Book Guide
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Isabelle Lawrence goes back to one of history's most colorful eras—the days immediately before the Revolutionary War—for this tale of fun and suspense. And the close co-operation of officials of Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia has helped make the story authentic in historical detail as it is exciting to boys and girls.
There was already a hint of trouble in the air that autumn day when Col. George Washington and Patrick Henry stopped in Master Will Budge's blacksmith shop.
As twelve-year-old Ben listened to his father talking with the famous patriots, he never dreamed that soon he would be in the thick of the intrigue and excitement brewing in Williamsburg.
Tension mounts as Master Budge is injured in the Yorktown "tea party", as Giles, the apprentice, slips off on mysterious midnight errands, as the gunpowder is stolen and Ben chases a spy. As the story moves toward its climax, the authentic illustrations of Manning de V. Lee—full of the bustling life of colonial days—add much to the suspense and to the gaiety of this fast-moving tale.
A skillful blend of fact and fiction, A Spy in Williamsburg will hold young readers to the very last page.
From the dust jacket
Published with the approval and collaboration of Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia.
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Isabelle Lawrence
AmericanEver since she can remember, Isabelle Lawrence has loved tales from history and deeds of derring-do. Brought up in Cambridge, Mass., just around the... See more
Manning Lee
1894-1980American
Illustrating is both a career and a hobby for Manning de V. Lee, who has illustrated close to 200 books. Born in Summerville, S.C., he was educated ... See more
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Reviews
A Spy in Williamsburg
Reviewed by Edward Garboczi
We all learn about the start of the American Revolution: the midnight ride of Paul Revere (and William Dawes), the battles of Lexington and Concord, and the siege of Boston. But while this was all going on, the patriots in the southern colonies like Virginia were not idle. A Spy in Williamsburg, by Isabelle Lawrence, takes place in Williamsburg, the capital of the colony of Virginia, at about this same time, just before the American Revolution really kicked off. The book is written at the upper elementary to middle school level. The patriots desperately needed information about what the British and American loyalists, and especially the Royal Governor, were planning. To collect this information, networks of informants were developed, made up of ordinary people who kept their eyes open. But beyond this, spies were needed to get specific military information. Armies, past or present, need to know what their opponent is planning and doing in order to effectively decide how to counter the enemy’s intentions. This historical novel tells the exciting story of how some ordinary people, blacksmiths, became spies to help the patriots in Williamsburg during the early years of the American Revolution.
A Spy in Williamsburg
Adventure and atmosphere in a polished story for the age group, albeit the is familiar...
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