Verbitzsky's Stratagem
The story revolves around a clever and cunning Russian spy named Verbitzsky who infiltrates the British army during the Crimean War. He uses his wit and charm to gather crucial information about the British military's plans, which he then relays back to the Russians. As Verbitzsky navigates the complexities of espionage, he finds himself torn between his loyalty to Russia and his growing admiration for the British people.
By Edward William Thomson · First published 1897 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Political Thriller · 3,628 words
First lines
What had Alexander Verbitzsky and I done that the secret service of our father, the Czar, should dog us for five months, and in the end drive us to Siberia, whence we have, by the goodness of God, escaped from Holy Russia, our mother? They called us Nihilists -- as if all Nihilists were of one way of thinking!
What this Textopian page supports
Verbitzsky's Stratagem is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edward William Thomson, dated 1897 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edward William Thomson
- Date: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Political Thriller, Drama, Mystery
- Length: 3,628 words
- Structure: 1 section, 109 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Verbitzsky's Stratagem by Edward William Thomson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Verbitzsky's Stratagem?
- How does this short story by Edward William Thomson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The plot is set in a historical context with significant attention to period details.
- Adventure — The narrative involves a series of exciting and risky undertakings.
- Political Thriller — The story revolves around political intrigue and strategic maneuvers.
- Drama — The book explores complex characters and emotional themes.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Adventure · War · Military Strategy · Russian History · Napoleonic Wars · Battle Tactics · Leadership · Politics · Intrigue · Espionage · Spies