Book & podcast collection

The Scientist Turned Spy: André Michaux, Thomas Jefferson, and the Conspiracy of 1793

Patrick Spero uncovers the extraordinary political career hidden inside botanist André Michaux's celebrated scientific expeditions. Sent to North America to collect useful plants, Michaux became entangled in Edmond-Charles Genêt's plan to seize Spanish territory and open the Mississippi Valley to French influence. Spero follows the conspiracy across diplomatic, scientific, and frontier networks, presenting new evidence about Thomas Jefferson's involvement. The result illuminates how international rivalry, western expansion, and scientific ambition converged during the precarious first years of the American republic.

Publisher: University of Virginia Press
Publication date: 2024-09-17
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780813952185

Subjects

Biography & Autobiography / Historical History / United States / Revolutionary Period Political Science / Intelligence & Espionage

Choose a subject to discover similar books and author interviews.

Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop.org Publisher website

Listen now

Interview with the Author

1 available interview link

More ways to listen

Podcast: We the People — The Scientist Turned Spy with Patrick Spero ↗