The Spy Who Shaped Britain: Daniel Defoe and the Secret Politics of Union
SpyMasters12 Maalis

The Spy Who Shaped Britain: Daniel Defoe and the Secret Politics of Union

What if one of the founders of the English novel was also a spy? In this episode of Spymasters, host Paul Burke speaks with historian Marc Mierowski about the extraordinary secret career of Daniel Defoe. Today Defoe is remembered as the author of Robinson Crusoe, Moll Flanders, and Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress. But long before he became a novelist, he operated in the murky world of intelligence, propaganda, and political influence. Working for the powerful minister Robert Harley, Defoe became a key government agent during the negotiations that led to the Acts of Union 1707. He infiltrated political networks, shaped public opinion through pamphlets, and gathered intelligence across Scotland as Britain struggled to create a new unified state. In this fascinating conversation, we explore: How Daniel Defoe became a government spy The intelligence war behind the Act of Union Pamphlets as the “social media” of the 18th century The economic and political crisis after the Darien Scheme The hidden networks of spies, propagandists and political operatives Why Defoe may have been one of Britain’s earliest modern intelligence agents This is the hidden world of espionage behind one of the most important political transformations in British history. The Club — Leo Damrosch The Lunar Men — Jenny Uglow King Leopold’s Ghost — Adam Hochschild The Wife of Bath — Marion Turner Parallel Lives — Phyllis Rose Also mentioned Janet Malcolm — discussed as an admired writer William Dalrymple — referenced in relation to his books on the East India Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(56)

KGB Literati: How Soviet Spy Fiction Shaped the Secret State

KGB Literati: How Soviet Spy Fiction Shaped the Secret State

What happens when a secret police force writes its own novels? In this episode of Spymasters, Antonia Senior is joined by academic and KGB expert Filip Kovacevic to explore the hidden world of Soviet...

15 Tammi 1h 2min

Spymasters and Aspects of Crime Books of the Year 2025!

Spymasters and Aspects of Crime Books of the Year 2025!

This special crossover episode brings together espionage and crime fans for a fast-paced round-table on our Books of the Year 2025. Antonia Senior (Spymasters) is joined by: Paul Burke – host of...

11 Joulu 20251h 8min

China, Espionage and the Price of Compromise: The Peak, with San Guthrie

China, Espionage and the Price of Compromise: The Peak, with San Guthrie

Former diplomat and political insider Sam Guthrie joins Antonia Senior to talk about Chinese espionage, industrial spying and his debut Hong Kong–set thriller, The Peak. Blending politics, business an...

27 Marras 202539min

Spy fiction: hidden classics and old favourites with Paul Burke

Spy fiction: hidden classics and old favourites with Paul Burke

In this lively literary conversation, Antonia Senior and Paul Burke explore the fascinating world of spy and crime fiction — from the golden age of classic espionage novels to the digital dilemmas of ...

13 Marras 202530min

Spying on the Revolution: Gunnar Ekberg, Infiltration, and the Birth of Modern Terrorism.

Spying on the Revolution: Gunnar Ekberg, Infiltration, and the Birth of Modern Terrorism.

In this episode, Antonia Senior speaks with journalist and author Jason Burke about The Revolutionists, and the extraordinary true story of Gunnar Ekberg — the Swedish spy who infiltrated radical left...

30 Loka 20251h 4min

Behind German Lines: The White Lady, with Dr Helen Fry

Behind German Lines: The White Lady, with Dr Helen Fry

In this episode of Spymasters, Antonia Senior speaks with bestselling historian Dr. Helen Fry about her riveting new book, The White Lady. Set in German-occupied Belgium during World War I and World ...

16 Loka 202534min

Spies, fiction, and the legacy of October 7. The Protocols of Spying with Merle Nygate.

Spies, fiction, and the legacy of October 7. The Protocols of Spying with Merle Nygate.

Join host Antonia Senior as she delves into the gripping world of espionage with author Merle Nygate. In this episode, they explore the challenges of writing a spy thriller set against the backdrop of...

2 Loka 202533min

The Wolfpack and the Codebreakers: The Enigma story from the German perspective, with Roger Moorhouse

The Wolfpack and the Codebreakers: The Enigma story from the German perspective, with Roger Moorhouse

In this episode of Spymasters, Antonia Senior interviews historian Roger Moorhouse about the Enigma code and its impact on naval warfare during World War II. The conversation explores the crucial role...

18 Syys 202537min

Suosittua kategoriassa Historia

olipa-kerran-otsikko
gogin-ja-janin-maailmanhistoria
mayday-fi
mystista
huijarit
rss-ikiuni
tsunami
totuus-vai-salaliitto
konginkangas
sotaa-ja-historiaa-podi
rss-subjektiivinen-todistaja
rss-i-dont-like-mondays-2
rouva-diktaattori
rss-sattuu-sita-suomessakin
rss-kirkon-ihmeellisimmat-tarinat
rss-historian-pitka-oppimaara
maailmanpuu
rss-peter-peter
rss-iltanuotiolla