Agents of Influence

A British Campaign, a Canadian Spy, and the Secret Plot to Bring America into World War II

By: Henry Hemming

Narrated by: Henry Hemming

Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

The astonishing story of the British spies who set out to draw America into World War II.

As World War II raged into its second year, Britain sought a powerful ally to join its cause - but the American public was sharply divided on the subject. The Canadian-born MI6 officer William Stephenson, with his knowledge and influence in North America, was chosen to change their minds by any means necessary.

In this extraordinary tale of foreign influence on American shores, Henry Hemming shows how Stephenson came to New York - hiring Canadian staffers to keep his operations secret - and flooded the American market with propaganda supporting Franklin Roosevelt and decrying Nazism. His chief opponent was Charles Lindbergh, an insurgent populist who campaigned under the slogan "America First", and had no interest in the war. This set up a shadow duel between Lindbergh and Stephenson, each trying to turn public opinion his way, with the lives of millions potentially on the line.

©2019 Henry Hemming (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"A revelatory and wholly fascinating work of history. Superbly researched and written with gripping fluency, this lost secret of World War II espionage finally has its expert chronicler." (William Boyd)

"Gripping and intoxicating, it unfolds like the best screenplay." (Nicholas Shakespeare, author of The Dancer Upstairs)

"[A] page-turning spy thriller.... Fluid, sharp writing, deep research, and a spy network with unparalleled ingenuity provide a snappy read and lots of shockers." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

Fascinating, well-written and beautifully read

I’ve read and listened to a lot of WWII histories (and fiction), and, of course, learned about WWII in school, many years ago, as a kid. Nevertheless, there is a lot that I learned from this book, certain fascinating aspects about the US involvement in the war. (This book serves, also, as great historical background for Philip Roth’s “The Plot Against America” and also for William Boyd’s “Restless”.) The writing is superb, as is the author’s own reading of the book. It is pretty rare that an author does such a good job of reading. After all, these are different talents. Henry Hemming has a pleasant voice and read exceptionally well. His personal family connection to Bill Stephenson is a sweet touch. All around, I highly recommend this book.

Shaken, not stirred.

If ever a spy thriller in the context of history changing events was written oh, it is this book. Meticulously researched and of course, historically accurate to a tee, this delightful read not only transports you back in time to when this influence campaign began but it gives you the delicious details as to its success. Highly highly highly recommend.

Great story that keeps you interested!

I enjoy learning new facts regarding the U.S. and the environment prior to and during the early years of WWII, and this story definitely does not disappoint. The narrator (and author) does a great job of keeping the story going, and keeping the listener waiting for more.

Important story

Excellent presentation of the relationship between Bill Stevenson and the US Interventionists leading up to America's entry into WWII. The Audible version is well presented.

Interesting book

It is a good and very well written book. A non-fiction that looks a thriller sometimes (kudos to the author). The book remembers important factors and figures of the years that preceded the entering of the US in the WWII. My only points to downgrade my evaluation are that (1) the book takes some part out of context to prove his point and (2) tries to link a 2016 scenario to 1940/41, what somehow looks more as a political stand from the author than history investigation.
Finally, it is a very interesting book and, as reader of WWII history, a book that brought several knew facts and knowledge. I recommend it for all history readers.