The German Spy

The German Spy

In familiar letters from Munster, Paderborn, Osnabrug, Minden, ... Written by a gentleman on his travels, ... with a prefatory account of these letters, and explanatory notes, by Thomas Lediard, Esq

First published in 1738, The German Spy is an English travel narrative writtnen in the epistolary form from the perspective of an English spy.  The work's preface serves as an attempt to convince the reader of the authenticity of the letters, a claim made by Thomas Lediard, owner of the letters, and supported by an unnamed English nobleman.  The letters date from the early 1700s, and orginate in various German towns, discussing such topics as the political climate of Germany,  the Duchy of Bremen, and the Principlaity of Verden after war with Sweden and Denmark, the plight of Jews who populate the poorhouses,  the development of Libertinism of Hamburg, and the decline of the economic dominance of the English in Germany.  The letters also recount personal interactions with important members of various German towns that have the appearance of both general interest and espionage.

Anonymous

London: Printed for J. Mechell and J. Bailey

1738

Norris, Benjamin