Lincoln's Flying Spies: Thaddeus Lowe and the Civil War Balloon Corps
This well-researched volume introduces American aeronaut and showman Thaddeus Lowe, who convinced President Lincoln that hydrogen-filled balloons, rising high above the countryside, could provide Union generals with useful information about the position, strength, and movements of Confederate troops and artillery. Although some generals considered Lowe’s Balloon Corps useless, others appreciated the danger of their missions and the value of having spies aloft. The book’s final chapter traces Lowe’s life after the war. Sidebars carry information about topics such as “Lowe’s Portable Gas Generator” and “Confederate Spy Balloons.” Quoting extensively from official Civil War records as well as Lowe’s memoirs and reports, the text offers a detailed account of his contribution to the Union war effort. Many period photos, prints, and drawings illustrate the book in black and white. A time line, bibliography, and notes are appended along with lists of recommended books, Web sites, and places to visit. Jarrow provides a solid introduction to an intriguing aspect of Civil War history. Grades 7-10. --Carolyn Phelan