Unlikely Allies: How a Merchant, a Playwright, and a Spy Saved the American Revolution

Who really won the Revolutionary War? In 1775, Benjamin Franklin sent an unlikely secret agent—Connecticut shopkeeper Silas Deane—to France to persuade King Louis XVI to support the American cause. With no diplomatic experience and no French, Deane succeeded because no one suspected him. With the help of a French comic playwright and a daring, gender-bending spy, he helped smuggle arms and supplies past British forces to George Washington’s struggling army. This true story is filled with espionage, intrigue, and surprise. The Washington Post named Unlikely Allies one of the best books of the year. Books are available online or at your local bookseller. A book signing will follow.

Presented by Joel Richard Paul.

This event is made possible by New Hampshire Humanities, in partnership with NHPBS, with additional support provided by Cogswell Benevolent Trust. By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.