JANET WALLACH
The true story of socialite Marguerite Harrison, the American spy who slipped behind enemy lines in Russia and Germany in the turbulent period between the world wars.
Harrison saw the future in both places – a second war with Germany, a cold war with the Soviets – but was little believed back home. Janet Wallach captures Harrison's daring and glamour in this stranger-than-fiction history of a courageous woman drawn to danger and adventure.
Published by Doubleday.
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PRAISE for FLIRTING WITH DANGER
"In this colorful account, biographer Wallach relates the life story of one of America’s greatest female spies. Harrison’s lectures and books about her exploits made her famous, and she founded the Society of Woman Geographers in 1925. Wallach presents the eye-popping action crisply...it’s a remarkable tale of intrigue and daring."
—Publishers Weekly
"Wallach's expert storytelling, which has the suspense and pacing of a good spy novel, is clearly her own, and it makes for engaging reading. The globe-trotting exploits of a 'confirmed wanderer' and top-notch spy finally get their due."
—Kirkus Reviews
ABOUT the AUTHOR
Janet Wallach has written extensively about notable women in history, from the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. Her book, Desert Queen; The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell (1996), has been translated into twelve languages and was a New York Times notable book of the year. Her other works include Seraglio: A Novel (2003), Chanel: Her Style and Her Life (1998), and The Richest Woman in America: Hetty Green in the Gilded Age (2012). She co-authored Arafat: In the Eyes of the Beholder, a biography of Yasser Arafat; The New Palestinians, a look at the leading figures in the West Bank and Gaza; and Still Small Voices, the personal stories of ten Israelis and Palestinians during the first intifada.
As a contributor to The Washington Post Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine and other periodicals, Janet Wallach has written cover story profiles of Queen Noor of Jordan, First Lady of Egypt Jihan Sadat, and Iraqi Ambassador Nizar Hamdoon. Wallach has taught at Bradford College, Earlham College, St. Olaphs College and more.
Janet Wallach is a founding director and president emeritus of Seeds of Peace, a non-profit educational and leadership training program. Seeds of Peace brings together outstanding teenagers from regions in conflict including Israelis and Arabs, Indians and Pakistanis, and Americans of diverse backgrounds.
Janet Wallach was born in New York City and attended New York University. She has two sons, David Allyn and Michael Wallach.
IN THE PRESS
In “Flirting with Danger: The Mysterious Life of Marguerite Harrison, Socialite Spy,” Janet Wallach presents a compelling story that pulsates with the energy of a thriller.
Moira Hodgson
ON FLIRTING WITH DANGER
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL