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A Schoolmaster's War

Harry Ree, British Agent in the French Resistance
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Schoolmaster's War by Jonathan Ree delves into the remarkable life of a British schoolteacher turned spy during World War II. The narrative explores the man's covert efforts and contributions to the war, poignantly capturing the blend of ordinary life with perilous espionage. It's a gripping memoir that sheds light on unsung heroism and the intricacies of intelligence work.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by tales of courage and ingenuity during WWII, particularly focusing on lesser-known stories of individuals who played significant roles. This biography captures the extraordinary life of a schoolmaster who became an unlikely war hero, offering both historical insights and personal nuances that history enthusiasts and those who appreciate unique life stories will find compelling.

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The wartime adventures of the legendary SOE agent Harry Rée, told in his own words

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The wartime adventures of the legendary SOE agent Harry Rée, told in his own words

A beautiful collection of writings by schoolmaster-turned-secret agent Harry Rée. . . . Memoirs, postwar broadcasts and letters from French comrades combine to paint a picture of everyday heroism, treachery and tragedy.”—Robert Gildea, author of Fighters in the Shadows: A New History of the French Resistance

“In a book devoted to heroism in its true, self-effacing form, that modesty seems entirely appropriate, and is a tribute both to Ree and to the son who put it together.”—Andrew Holgate, The Sunday Times

A pacifist school teacher at the start of the war, Harry Rée changed his mind with the fall of France in 1940. He was deployed into a secret branch of the British army and parachuted into central France in April 1943. He soon won the confidence of local resisters and directed a series of dramatic sabotage operations.

Rée’s memoirs, superbly edited by his son, the philosopher Jonathan Rée, offer unique insights into life in the French Resistance, and into the anxiety, folly and pity of war.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Schoolmaster's War by Jonathan Ree is praised for its modest and unembellished portrayal of true heroism and bravery. It vividly captures how ordinary people face extraordinary circumstances, providing an authentic and detailed account of Harry Rée's experiences. Through memoirs, letters, and broadcasts, the book reveals not only the adventurous and perilous aspects of wartime but also moments of friendship, treachery, and personal tragedy, offering readers inspiration from a life courageously lived.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300259179

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 22 June 2021

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 240

About the Author

Harry Rée, DSO, OBE, was a British school teacher and educator and a wartime member of the Special Operations Executive. His son Jonathan Rée is a freelance historian and philosopher. His books include Philosophical Tales, I See a Voice, and Witcraft.

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