"An evocative and occasionally thrilling work of scholarship. Mierowsky is an expert guide to the labyrinthine underworld of early eighteenth-century espionage."--Joseph Hone, author of The Book Forger: The True Story of a Literary Crime that Fooled the World "This is not only a highly readable account of Defoe's role as the hired gun of English imperialism during the Union crisis of 1706-7, it is also a good introduction to the dark arts used to make the Union happen. An excellent, and sobering, illustration of the way one man's personal circumstances can play a vital role in altering the course of history."--Daniel Szechi, author of 1715: The Great Jacobite Rebellion "Full of original achievements. Mierowsky explores the minute wheels and gears of the accomplishment of the Scottish Union with England, and the network of agents and spies who drove them. The story of Defoe as a master of modern intelligence is highly readable."--Paula Backscheider, author of Daniel Defoe: His Life "An outstanding exposition of Harley's spy network in Scotland and the importance of personal relationships to historical change.

"--Murray Pittock, author of Scotland: The Global History.