John Andre was the British Army man who negotiated with Benedict Arnold at West Point, missed the boat to camp and was discovered a few miles from his own base in civilian disguise, the incriminating papers concealed in his sock. A romantic figure of his time and in [the pages of Major Andre: Brave Enemy], he was convicted of spying and hanged, both armies noting his courageous posture. His inner thoughts from boyhood on are imputed, a technique which tends to overdramatize a dramatic personality and force each gesture into significance. And the "spy" episode is quite brief, so readers looking for that kind of excitement will be disappointed to find so much more about his relationships with women.
A review of "Major Andre: Brave Enemy," in Kirkus Reviews (copyright © 1969 The Kirkus Service, Inc.), Vol. XXXVII, No. 12, June 15, 1969, p. 633.
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