In Austen's time, was "every man surrounded by a neighborhood of voluntary spies"? There were certainly spies. This book dives into the story of Britain's spies, rebels, and secret societies between the late 1780's and 1820. British upper classes feared overthrow of their own government might follow events in France and elsewhere, and were happy to fund an expensive "secret service" of double agents and spies. The stakes were high, as treason merited a traitor's death. And of course, mistakes were inevitably made as even peaceful protestors were suspected. Drawing on original sources, Wilkes shares stories of these rebel activities that involved all sorts of people, and the investigations of the British government, during this period of revolutions. LIKE NEW.  Pen & Sword History. 2015. Hb, Dj. USED. $30.00