Mata Hari

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

79283

Title

Mata Hari

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This historical thriller recounts the rise and fall of Mata Hari, the enigmatic Dutch dancer turned spy during World War I. Blending fact with intrigue, the narrative explores her dangerous liaisons with German intelligence, her evasion of capture in neutral Spain, and her dramatic, disputed execution in Paris. A compelling portrait of a woman who mastered the art of deception.

Summary up to 500 words

Major Thomas Coulson's *Mata Hari* chronicles the life of the infamous dancer and spy during World War I, separating enduring myths from historical fact. The narrative begins in Berlin, where Mata Hari basks in the reflected glory of her German protector, Chief of Police Herr von Jagow, as war is declared. However, the German espionage network in Britain is swiftly dismantled by the discovery of a 'letter-box' barber, rendering their agents ineffective. In stark contrast, French authorities fail to arrest spies due to political obstruction by Minister Malvy and the influence of Mata Hari's friend, Almeyreda, who persuades officials that arresting foreigners would cause panic. Facing financial ruin and hostility from the French military attaché in Spain, Mata Hari turns to the German naval attaché, Lieutenant von Kroon. Their relationship deepens, and he employs her in his department, sending her on missions to Barcelona. Crucially, von Kroon requests funds for her from Germany, a move that inadvertently confirms her status as a spy. Upon her recall to Paris, she faces intense scrutiny. Refusing a medical examination to prove pregnancy—a potential reprieve—she displays characteristic indifference, mocking the absurdity of her situation and preparing herself with the dignity of a princess. She requests a drink before her death and protects a trembling nun as she is taken to the firing squad at Vincennes. The execution is carried out, but the body disappears from the grave. Coulson debunks the legend of her escape with her lover, Pierre de Mortissac, revealing that her body was taken for medical dissection. The book concludes by presenting a story of intrigue, betrayal, and the tragic end of a woman who played a dangerous game to the very end, exposing the political shallowness and corruption that allowed her dangerous activities to flourish before her demise.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/79283.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg79283.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-08-13 08:37 UTC

Categories

No categories stored.