The Flame of Resistance

Join bestselling author Damien Lewis in this online event to mark the release of his latest book, which tells the story of Josephine Baker - singer, dancer and Second World War spy.

American-born entertainer Josephine Baker is considered by many to have been the first Black superstar. Prior to the Second World War, she was one of the most glamorous and highly paid female performers. But when the Nazis occupied her home city of Paris, she was banned from the stage.

Instead of returning to America, Josephine vowed to stay and fight. Overnight, she went from acclaimed artiste to Resistance spy.

Through her wartime service, she became a hero of three nations: the USA, the land of her birth; France, her adopted home; and Britain, the country from which she took her orders as one of its most closely-guarded special agents.

In this online event to coincide with the release of his new book, Damien Lewis will highlight how Josephine Baker’s mark on history goes far beyond the confines of the stage and screen.