"A superb account of a complex episode in the history of the United Kingdom. Mr. Mierowsky writes history with the pace and plot twists of a thriller. This exceptional debut should be ranked among the outstanding books of the year."--Crawford Gribben, Wall Street Journal "Detailed, thrilling . exceptional."--Stuart Kelly, Scotsman "Mierowsky enthusiastically re-creates the febrile atmosphere of the early 18th century, years in which the most violent rhetoric was lavished on the value of safety and peace, and parties of extremists fought bitterly over the true meaning of moderation. Defoe, ever the opportunist, found a way to thrive in this dangerous, baffling world, inventing and inhabiting personae that would resurface in his fiction.

"--Freya Johnston, Literary Review "By the end of this excellent biography, it becomes clear that it is no exaggeration to claim, as some nationalist historians do, that Defoe may have changed the course of history."-- Scottish Field "This is a story about power, politics and personality, so much so that it resembles a Robert Harris novel. No such book currently exists and, until it does, this sparkling history by Mierowsky will do very nicely indeed."--Peter Moore, Unseen Histories "Fascinating."--Thomas McLean, NZ Listener "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.