Taking place during the most critical period of our nation’s birth, The First Conspiracy tells a remarkable and previously untold piece of American history that not only reveals George Washington’s character, but also illuminates the origins of America’s counterintelligence movement that led to the modern day CIA.In 1776, an elite group of soldiers were handpicked to serve as George Washington’s … serve as George Washington’s bodyguards. Washington trusted them; relied on them. But unbeknownst to Washington, some of them were part of a treasonous plan. In the months leading up to the Revolutionary War, these traitorous soldiers, along with the Governor of New York, William Tryon, and Mayor David Mathews, launched a deadly plot against the most important member of the military: George Washington himself.
This is the story of the secret plot and how it was revealed. It is a story of leaders, liars, counterfeiters, and jailhouse confessors. It also shows just how hard the battle was for George Washington and how close America was to losing the Revolutionary War.
In this historical page-turner, New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer teams up with American history writer and documentary television producer, Josh Mensch to unravel the shocking true story behind what has previously been a footnote in the pages of history. Drawing on extensive research, Meltzer and Mensch capture in riveting detail how George Washington not only defeated the most powerful military force in the world, but also uncovered the secret plot against him in the tumultuous days leading up to July 4, 1776.
Praise for The First Conspiracy:
“This is American history at its finest, a gripping story of spies, killers, counterfeiters, traitors?and a mysterious prostitute who may or may not have even existed. Anyone with an interest in American history will love this book.” —Douglas Preston, #1 bestselling author of The Lost City of the Monkey God
“A wonderful book about leadership?and it shows why George Washington and his moral lessons are just as vital today. What a book. You’ll love it.” —President George H.W. Bush
“This is an important book: a fascinating largely unknown chapter of our hazardous beginning, a reminder of why counterintelligence matters, and a great read.” —President Bill Clinton
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This absolutely fascinating book brings to light an enthralling, deliberately hidden episode in American history, chronicling the machinations leading to war and the remarkable character of Washington himself. This is American history at its finest, a gripping story of spies, killers, counterfeiters, traitors ― and a mysterious prostitute who may or may not have even existed. Anyone with an interest in American history will love this book.
If you thought you knew everything about the American Revolution, here’s dispositive proof that you’ve been wrong. Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch have given us a powerful account of a conspiracy to assassinate George Washington on the eve of all-out war ― a fascinating tale of spies and intrigue, of near-misses, and what-ifs. Read it!
This is an important book: a fascinating, largely unknown chapter of our hazardous beginning, a reminder of why counterintelligence matters, and a great read.
Have to say, I loved this book. I’ve always been intrigued by the American Revolution. I’ve lived in Boston all my life, and the history of Boston is inextricably linked with the Revolution.
THE FIRST CONSPIRACY by Brad Meltzer, most of which takes place in the 1770s, centers on a scheme to assassinate the leader of the Colonial army, a man revered and crucial to the morale of soldiers and populace alike, George Washington. That’s a flashy premise, certainly good for a title. But the real intrigue of the book is an outlining of the first spying, the first intelligence, and counterintelligence, the first corps of trained men – our Secret Service, Washington’s “bodyguards” – whose sole job was to protect the president.
The strength of THE FIRST CONSPIRACY is in the details. Meticulously researched, they describe the men involved most intimately on both sides – where they came from, what their personalities were like, why they did the work they did. George Washington, for instance, is painted as a man who put honor and dignity above all. We see this in page after page describing his actions.
Conversely, the plight of the Connecticut farmer whose wife died leaving six children at home, a man who turns traitor for money to help support his children and farm, is heartrending. The goodness of this man gradually reemerges; as a spy in the local prison, he gains intelligence crucial to the Patriot cause.
And fake news? The authors give examples of this as well – in one instance, a letter put into important hands claiming that the intent of one of Washington’s most trusted generals to betray his commander. The letter was proven to be an out-and-out lie. Still, in this instance, and in others in the book, I found myself thinking how little things have changed.
In the face of all this praise, why only a four-star rating, you ask? Several reasons:
First, repetition. Editors have primed me to avoid repeating facts of the same incident when I change from one person’s POV to another’s. Apparently, these authors have not learned this. Either that or they didn’t trust the intelligence of their readers. Or they simply needed to fill space. The repetition does make this relatively short book longer.
Second, every chapter ended with a dramatic cliffhanging statement that sometimes just didn’t follow through made me feel manipulated.
Third, one of the authors himself gave the book a 5-star rating on Goodreads. OK. So maybe other authors do this. Maybe it’s a totally acceptable, even expected thing to do. Maybe it’s a male thing. I simply don’t know.
Whatever, my four-star rating counters it. I give these authors kudos for research and detail and readability. And for enjoyment. But then, to risk repeating myself, I am an American history buff. If you are as well, this is a worthwhile read.
History class was my least favorite class at school. But if someone like Brad Meltzer had taught me, then I would have become a lover of history. His descriptions let me visualize the scenery and battles. The characters became three-dimensional. I had no idea that my hometown of Brooklyn and Long Island, where I now live, played critical roles in the Revolutionary War.
George Washington was a complex man with a heavy burden on his shoulders. He maintained his principles and dignity while his love for his country sustained him through the bitter winters and losses.
I’m eagerly waiting for Brad Meltzer’s next book.
Excellent historical account of George Washington as the first spymaster and the effort to foil his assassination. Recommended for all history buffs.
Well done his on the time and of the people.
This work of nonfiction reveals a plot to assassinate George Washington and the birth of counterespionage in the U.S. And we think we live in a time obsessed with politically-related conspiracies!
This was one of the better historical books I have read recently.
A good recounting of a historical attempt on George Washington before he won the Revolution. My only reason for not giving it 5 stars is the tendency of the writer to be just a tad “breathless’ in recounting the facts and for jumping back and forth, but it’s very informative and gives a background on why “counterintelligence” became a tactic used by the Patriots. Worth getting and either listening via audible or reading.
The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch the History you probably never knew. I really enjoyed reading all the details of the beginning of George Washington‘s time as leader of our Continental Army. Washington apparently had great adversity, but with his fortitude and moral strength he was able to overcome many obstacles. How compelling to read about the difficult times in which our patriot ancestors served. Thrilling spy, conspiracy and war history.
This was one of the best American history themed books I’ve read in a long time. I learned so much about George Washington in the first chapter that I hadn’t known or remembered. It made his later accomplishments so much more interesting. It was well researched and well put together. I highly recommend it.
American history from its earliest roots brought to life in an outstanding, entertaining fashion. Treachery and treason haunt General George Washington from the very start of America’s Revolution!
You need to read this book ― the patriotic and daring untold story about George Washington and the real-life traitors who secretly tried to take him out. Just wait until you see how General Washington punishes those who cross him. Here’s why Brad Meltzer is America’s historian. Americans need to hear this incredible story.
The First Conspiracy is a true mystery story that very few Americans know, written with a voice that beckons to be heard.
An interesting piece of untold history. Get to know George Washington – the man, the leader. Courageous, humble. Elite soldiers were selected to serve as Washington’s bodyguards. But traitors are among them. Working with New York’s Governor and Mayor, they plotted to kill Washington.
This was an easy, quick read with lots of historical facts. Read how the plot came about and how it was busted. It reveals the true character of Washington and his devotion to his country.
Taking place during the most critical period of our nation’s birth, The First Conspiracy tells a remarkable and previously untold piece of American history that not only reveals George Washington’s character, but also illuminates the origins of America’s counterintelligence movement that led to the modern day CIA.
The writing seemed a bit awkward – a nonfiction book being written in the style of a fictional novel. That did not work for me.
I was disappointed. It was repetitive to an annoying extent. At least 1/2 of the “book” was acknowledgements and credits. I love to read history and I was prepared for non-fiction. My warning should have been the statement about how very hard it was to find any facts about this conspiracy.
Enhanced reality of history
The information in this book is fascinating, and I appreciated the weaving together of what was going on within the colonies. I thought the writing was spotty and uneven, but overall I learned a lot.
Somewhat repetitive but we’ll worth reading.