Elizabeth Van Lew: Southern Belle, Union Spy (People in Focus) - Softcover

Zeinert, Karen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0382249607 ISBN 13: 9780382249600

Publisher: Dillon Pr, 1995

Synopsis

Traces the life of a Southern woman who remained in Richmond as a Union supporter, where she provided help to Union prisoners and organized a spy ring that sent information to Union intelligence

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9?Among the vast number of spies operating behind Confederate lines, one of the most effective was Richmond socialite Elizabeth Van Lew. By the time the war began, her reputation as a Unionist was well known, although it was chalked up as mere eccentricity. She used this ruse to her advantage, often playing the part of "Crazy Bet." She eventually lead an extensive spy ring that not only smuggled out intelligence reports, but assisted escaped prisoners as well. She destroyed most of her personal papers, including the journals chronicling her wartime escapades. Zeinert has brought Van Lew to life, using what little remains of her personal writings. She has gone to great lengths to ensure that her subject's story is told within its historical perspective, giving a thorough background on the causes of the Civil War, descriptions of life in Richmond, and information on the major figures in the war. Black-and-white reproductions and photographs are scattered throughout. Unfortunately, Van Lew's exciting and dramatic life is sometimes lost in the midst of all the historical detail. Still, this is an excellent introduction to the issues of the time, and a good biography of an intriguing woman.?Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Dillon Pr
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0382249607
• ISBN 13: 9780382249600
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English