Discover the gripping tale of 'Spies and Lies: The Mysterious Dr Dannevill' by Julie Glamuzina. This enthralling non-fiction paperback probes deep into the life of Hjilmar Dannevill, an enigmatic figure who traversed the globe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Deceptively presenting herself as a medical professional while aiding in the establishment of a women-run private health home in New Zealand, Dannevill's story unfolds against the backdrop of World War I and the pervasive mistrust of foreigners. Was she truly a qualified medical expert, or simply a cunning impostor? The narrative challenges conventional gender roles and explores the intense scrutiny she faced from police and military authorities, who labeled her a 'German spy' and a 'humbug.' A taut exploration of identity, deception, and societal norms, this book invites readers to unravel the mysteries of a woman whose life defied categorization. With 250 pages of captivating content, 'Spies and Lies' is a must-read for history enthusiasts and those intrigued by stories of espionage and resilience. Perfect for book clubs and casual readers alike, it combines riveting storytelling with rich historical insights. Order yours today and embark on a journey through time with this compelling biography, and enjoy seamless delivery options! We are happy to combine shipping. Smartfox is a NZ owned business located in Auckland. This product is in stock in NZ which means no unexpected import charges, custom duty, or tax.

CONDITION: Brand New
Dimensions: 152 x 228 mm
Pages: 250
Bind: paperback
Author: Julie Glamuzina Publisher: Double Axe Press
Publication Date: 31-10-2021

Hjilmar Dannevill travelled the world in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, sometimes using aliases, sometimes disguised as a male, and claiming to be researching venereal diseases on behalf of a wealthy Austrian businessman. She arrived in New Zealand in 1911 and falsely presented herself as a qualified medical professional while helping to set up a private health home run by women. In the hostile anti-foreigner environment of World War 1, doubts about her sex, identity, qualifications and motivations, as well as suspicions about her relationships with women, drew the attention of police and military authorities. In May 1917, although she tried to defend herself, she was declared a German spy and imprisoned. Like many other women who formed transnational networks stretching across Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Pacific to New Zealand, in defiance of sex-role stereotypes, Dannevill pursued life, work and female relationships around the globe. According to the authorities she was ‘a thorough humbug and fraud’ and ‘just the sort of person who would take up such a job as a political spy or pimp.’ But who was Hjilmar Dannevill? Why did she lie? Why was she persecuted? Was she a spy?

We are happy to combine shipping. Smartfox is a NZ owned business located in Auckland. This product is in stock in NZ which means no unexpected import charges, custom duty or tax.