The Flame of Resistance

Josephine Baker is one of Europe’s most celebrated performers when Germany occupies France. Rather than return to the United States, she uses her fame, international travel and access to diplomatic circles to collect information for Allied intelligence while supporting resistance activity and maintaining the public identity of an entertainer.

Lewis reconstructs Baker’s work through letters, journals and previously undisclosed material, following her from occupied France to North Africa and later service. The book has also been published as Agent Josephine: American Beauty, French Hero, British Spy, reflecting the three national traditions that later claimed her wartime contribution.