Conspiracy of One: Tyler Kent's Secret Plot against FDR, Churchill, and the Allied War Effort
"A vivid, meticulously detailed, and historically accurate chronicle of Kent's scandal, trial, and imprisonment,Conspiracy of Oneis a fascinating addition to world history shelves."—Midwest Book Reviews"An in-depth look at the intriguing dark days at the break of World War II ... A fascinating work enriched by the author’s deep knowledge and command of his material.—Kirkus Reviews"A wonderful spy story, proving once again that fact out-powers fiction. Every word of Conspiracy of One is true—and it's very strange truth indeed."—Tim Weiner, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award–winning author ofLegacy of AshesandEnemies"Just when it might have seemed that all the great World War II spy stories had already been told, Peter Rand uncovers a fascinating new one.  It is full of colorful characters and wild plot twists, against the deadly serious background of wartime espionage.  Most intriguingly, it provides a new perspective on World War II that many historians have overlooked."—Stephen Kinzer, bestselling author ofOverthrowandThe Brothers“Peter Rand’s story of ill-fated Tyler Kent gives us a glimpse of a lost world that produced a global war, countless dramas, and had a bygone class system where Tyler Kent seems to have stepped out of a John le Carré novel by way of Graham Green. Rand opens the curtains to tell us what made him who he was, what he did, and how he ended up. It is told elegantly while making one turn pages eagerly. It’s a hard trick to pull off, but Rand does it. What a story, what a read!”—John Bowers, author ofLove in TennesseeandStonewall JacksonCritical acclaim for Peter Rand’sChina Hands:“A splendid job, history vividly evoked ... A fine book.” —Arthur Schlesinger Jr.“A well-drawn portrait of a generation ... Rand does a good job of tracing relationships among his colorful characters and brings in personal detail from unpublished letters and interviews.” —New York Times Book Review“Rand writes with an appreciative zest and an understanding sensitivity.” —Boston Globe“China emerges in the pages of this book with its dazzling complexity intact. ... Worth reading not only for the welcome attention it brings to a largely unexamined chapter in American journalism but for its flashes of insight into the byzantine politics of the Kuomintang.” —The Nation“Rand’s work provides an introduction to such fascinating people … Insightful observation … excellent writing, characterization of the writers, and use of the journalists’ letters make this work stand far above most popular histories. … Engrossing … highly recommended.” —Library Journal“An absorbing account ... Rand skillfully weaves context into these highly personal narratives and vividly recreates a fascinating, confounding, and ultimately tragic era.” —Kirkus Reviews“Rand vividly recreates the period, lucidly and penetratingly presenting the Chinese experiences of the journalists.” —Publishers Weekly“A sweeping narrative … a vivid mural of a generation.” —Booklist