Josephine Baker's Secret War

Hanna Diamond is professor of French history at Cardiff University. An expert on the social and cultural history of France during the Second World War, she is the author of Fleeing Hitler: France 1940 and Women and the Second World War in France, 1939–48.

“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 Baker’s 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 thing for all time: that Josephine Baker was a world-class heroine.”—Bruce Bawer, American Spectator“Diamond’s book contributes to a movement that has slowly begun to recognise the courage of an artist who was also a feminist, a woman who actively resisted Nazi Germany while fighting against racism and antisemitism. . . . Diamond shows how her place among France’s greatest figures is thoroughly deserved.”—Véronique Duché, Inside Story“A highly readable account of an extraordinary woman.”—Dorset Magazine“Hanna Diamond delivers a highly compelling account of the US-born dancer, singer, actress and activist’s hitherto neglected counterintelligence activities.”—Caroline Langhorst, Historical Journal of Film, Radio and TelevisionWinner, 2026 Distinguished Book Award, sponsored by the U.S. Society for Military History“Josephine Baker for too long has been a fashion accessory in world history. She was an exotic and sad example of prewar Europe that othered her. Now Hanna Diamond seeks to set the record straight . . . [and] reveals why Baker is a hero of the twentieth century.”—Onyeka Nubia, author of England’s Other Countrymen“A powerful and significant book. It takes a familiar person and tells a new story about her—Baker’s double life as a spy and later Second Lieutenant in the French Air Force, while continuing her showbiz career to raise money for the Free French.”—Robert Gildea, author of Fighters in the Shadows“A gripping account of Josephine Baker, the formidable spy who used her celebrity to operate in plain sight. Based on extensive new research, Diamond brings to life Baker’s legacy on clandestine operations in France, North Africa and the Middle East. An inspirational heroine for our time.”—Helen Fry, author of Women in Intelligence