This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

In 1904, Benjamin Andrews moved to Milwaukee to become the editor of a major newspaper. Less than a year later, he was arrested for murder. Writing from his room in an asylum more than a decade later, Andrews tries to clear his name, explaining for the last time the role he played in a year marked by societal scandal, political intrigue, calculated revenge, and cold-blooded murder. Special features of the 2nd Edition: * A Preface, explaining the origins and evolution of the story * An Historical Note, explaining the true and fictional aspects of the novel * Study Questions, appropriate for both History and Literature courses.

"The Secret Agent" is a grim, gritty, cynical tale set in the world of the anarchists and secret agents around the start of the 20th century. There are no blind romantics, no overwhelming causes, and no anarchistic politics. As is often the case with Joseph Conrad, this is a story about people, people in an exotic world. The setting is London, the crime an attempt to blow up the Greenwich Observatory. The motives are far from pure: money, careerism, hack value, a peaceful mind. Mrs. Verloc, an anarchist's wife, is at the center of the tale. As Conrad tells us, and shows us repeatedly, she is not a woman to look beneath the surface of things, but she is a woman of some depth. The story in "The Secret Agent" is sad. It is a tragedy, and the ending seems inevitable given the players Conrad has set in motion. This is probably appropriate given the subject matter. The writing is excellent and the tale well told. If you are a reader who gives extra points to depressing stories, this one should receive a five on sheer grimness alone.