Josephine Baker's Secret War: The African American Star Who Fought for France and Freedom [Hardcover]

The full story of Josephine Baker’s wartime and intelligence work in France and North Africa
 
Before the Second World War, Josephine Baker (1906–1975) was one of the most famous performers in the world. She made her name dancing on the Parisian stage, but when war broke out she decided not to return to America. Instead, Baker turned spy for the French Secret Services.
 
In this engaging, deeply researched study, Hanna Diamond tells the full story of Baker’s actions for the French and Allied powers in World War Two. Drawing on previously unseen material, Diamond reveals the vital role Baker played throughout the war, from counterintelligence work for the Allied landings in North Africa to serving in the French Air Force in 1944–45. A woman of colour operating in a white male environment, Baker exploited her celebrity to enable her war work across France, Spain, Portugal, North Africa, and the Middle East.
 
This groundbreaking account is the first to reveal the full significance of Baker’s wartime contribution.“A picture emerges of Baker’s unfailing bravery in the face of extreme danger and her fierce loyalty to her adopted country.”—Gioia Diliberto,Wall Street Journal

“Hanna Diamond meticulously documents Baker’s clandestine war work for the Free French using previously unseen sources.”—Lucy Moore,Literary Review

An enthralling story of World War II espionage. . . . Diamond has provided the most complete historical study, which is sure to be definitive, and in the process has uncovered much about Bakers activities unknown or undetailed until now.Paul Devlin,New Criterion

“There is much to enjoy in this impressive and well-written work.”—Jeremy Black,New Diplomatic History

A full-bodied portrait of Baker. . . . Hanna Diamond has established one l3J