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Author: Greg Barnhisel

Reviewed by Wylie W. Johnson

In this riveting biography, Greg Barnhisel uncovers the extraordinary life of Norman Holmes Pearson—a Yale professor, literary tastemaker, and covert intelligence officer. Seamlessly blending poetry, espionage, and Cold War politics, Code Name Puritan reveals how Pearson helped shape both American cultural identity and national security strategy. From championing modernist women poets to dismantling Nazi spy networks, Pearson’s story is a fascinating portrait of influence at the intersection of intellect and power.

©2025 Wylie W. Johnson

Publication Date

12-18-2025

Keywords

Office of Strategic Services, counterespionage, World War II, Puritan, disability, Yale University

Disciplines

Defense and Security Studies

Book Review: Code Name Puritan: Norman Holmes Pearson at the Nexus of Poetry, Espionage, and American Power

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