Military intelligence Books
Transworld Publishers Ltd Operation Paperclip
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£11.69
Transworld Publishers Ltd The Pentagons Brain
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£11.69
Transworld Publishers Ltd Phenomena
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£11.69
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends: A True
Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE FT & McKINSEY BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2021 The instant New York Times bestseller A Financial Times and The Times Book of the Year 'A terrifying exposé' The Times 'Part John le Carré . . . Spellbinding' New Yorker We plug in anything we can to the internet. We can control our entire lives, economy and grid via a remote web control. But over the past decade, as this transformation took place, we never paused to think that we were also creating the world’s largest attack surface. And that the same nation that maintains the greatest cyber advantage on earth could also be among its most vulnerable. Filled with spies, hackers, arms dealers and a few unsung heroes, This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends is an astonishing and gripping feat of journalism. Drawing on years of reporting and hundreds of interviews, Nicole Perlroth lifts the curtain on a market in shadow, revealing the urgent threat faced by us all if we cannot bring the global cyber arms race to heel.Trade ReviewAn intricately detailed, deeply sourced and reported history of the origins and growth of the [cyberweapons] market and the global cyberweapons arms race it has sparked . . . This is no bloodless, just-the-facts chronicle. Written in the hot, propulsive prose of a spy thriller, Perlroth’s book sets out from the start to scare us out of our complacency . . . Perlroth comes at the reader hard, like an angry Cassandra who has spent the last seven years of her life unmasking the signs of our impending doom – only to be ignored again and again . . . A strong, data-driven case for action -- Jonathan Tepperman * New York Times *Perlroth is a longtime cybersecurity reporter for the New York Times, and her book makes a kind of Hollywood entrance . . . Perlroth’s storytelling is part John le Carré and more parts Michael Crichton – ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’ meets ‘The Andromeda Strain’. Because she’s writing about a boys’ club, there’s also a lot of ‘Fight Club’ in this book . . . And, because she tells the story of the zero-day market through the story of her investigation, it’s got a Frances McDormand ‘Fargo’ quality, too . . . Spellbinding -- Jill Lepore * New Yorker *When the weaknesses of a system can be bought and sold, the results can be calamitous, as This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends shows . . . Engaging and troubling . . . This secretive market is difficult to penetrate, but Perlroth has dug deeper than most and chronicles her efforts wittily * Economist *A terrifying exposé of the black market in software bugs . . . Perlroth’s insider accounts provide texture and context that was often missing from news coverage at the time. Storytelling skills honed in her work as a New York Times reporter specialising in cybersecurity make them scarier, particularly because of the collateral damage . . . Yet the thrust of her commendably thorough and determined research is not the damage done, but the market in mayhem that underpins it . . . Perlroth does an admirable job in stripping away the jargon * The Times *A stemwinder of a tale of how frightening cyber weapons have been turned on their maker, and the implications for the world when everyone and anyone can now decimate everyone else with a click of a mouse . . . Perlroth takes a complex subject that has been cloaked in opaque techspeak and makes it dead real for the rest of us. You will not look at your mobile phone, your search engine, even your networked thermostat the same way again -- Kara Swisher, co-founder of Recode and New York Times opinion writerNicole Perlroth has written a dazzling and revelatory history of the darkest corner of the internet, where hackers and governments secretly trade the tools of the next war . . . This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends is a rollicking fun trip, front to back, and an urgent call for action before our wired world spins out of our control. I've covered cybersecurity for a decade and yet paragraph after paragraph I kept wondering: 'How did she manage to figure *that* out? How is she so good?'" -- Garrett M. Graff, author of 'The Only Plane in the Sky'The definitive history of cyberwarfare. Nicole Perlroth connects the dots and the behind the scenes action of every serious intrusion, cyberattack and cyberespionage revelation in the last decade -- Clint Watts, author of 'Messing With The Enemy'A must-read tale of cloak-and-dagger mercenary hackers, digital weapons of mass destruction and clandestine, ne'er-do-well government agencies -- Lawrence Ingrassia, author of 'Billion Dollar Brand Club'Usually, books like this are praised by saying that they read like a screenplay or a novel. Nicole Perlroth’s is better: her sensitivity to both technical issues and human behavior give this book an authenticity that makes its message - that cybersecurity issues threaten our privacy, our economy, and maybe our lives - even scarier -- Steven Levy, author of 'Hackers and Facebook'An essential cautionary tale [that] exposes the motivations and misgivings of the people helping governments hack into our devices. After Perlroth's incisive investigation, there's no excuse for ignoring the costs of the cyber arms race -- Sarah Frier, Bloomberg, author of 'No Filter'Wonderfully readable . . . A rip-roaring story of hackers and bug-sellers and spies -- Steven M. Bellovin, Professor of Computer Science, Columbia UniversityNicole Perlroth does what few other authors on the cyber beat can: she tells a highly technical, gripping story . . . A page-turner -- Nina Jankowicz, author of 'How to Lose the Information War'A whirlwind global tour that introduces us to the crazy characters and bizarre stories behind the struggle to control the internet. It would be unbelievable if it wasn't all so very true -- Alex Stamos, Director of the Stanford Internet Observatory and former head of security for Facebook and Yahoo
£10.44
Penguin Books Ltd The Mitrokhin Archive The KGB in Europe and the
Book Synopsis''One of the biggest intelligence coups in recent years'' The TimesFor years KGB operative Vasili Mitrokhin risked his life hiding top-secret material from Russian secret service archives beneath his family dacha. When he was exfiltrated to the West he took with him what the FBI called ''the most complete and extensive intelligence ever received from any source''. This extraordinary bestselling book is the result. ''Co-authored in a brilliant partnership by Christopher Andrew and the renegade Soviet archivist himself ... This is a truly global exposé of major KGB penetrations throughout the Western world'' The Times''This tale of malevolent spymasters, intricate tradecraft and cold-eyed betrayal reads like a cold war novel'' Time''Sensational ... the most informed and detailed study of Soviet subversive intrigues worldwide'' Spectator''The most comprehensive addition to the subject ever published'' Sun
£17.00
Penguin Books Ltd How Spies Think
Book SynopsisFrom the former director of GCHQ, learn the methodology used by the British intelligence agencies to reach judgments, establish the right level of confidence and act decisively. Intelligence officers discern the truth. They gather information - often contradictory or incomplete - and, with it, they build the most accurate possible image of the world. With the stakes at their absolute highest, they must then decide what to do. In everyday life, you are faced with contradictory, incomplete information, too. Reading the news on social media, figuring out the next step in your career, or trying to discover if gossip about a friend is legitimate, you are building an image of the world and making decisions about it. Looking through the eyes of one of Britain''s most senior ex-intelligence officers, Professor Sir David Omand, How Spies Think shows how the big decisions in your life will be easier to make when you apply the same frameworks used by British intelligence. Full of revealing examples from his storied career, including key briefings with Prime Ministers from Thatcher to Blair, and conflicts from the Falklands to Afghanistan, Professor Omand arms us with the tools to sort fact from fiction, and shows us how to use real intelligence every day.
£10.44
Penguin Books Ltd The Secret World
Book Synopsis''The most comprehensive narrative of intelligence compiled ... unrivalled'' Max Hastings, Sunday Times''Captivating, insightful and masterly'' Edward Lucas, The TimesThe history of espionage is far older than any of today''s intelligence agencies, yet the long history of intelligence operations has been largely forgotten. The first mention of espionage in world literature is in the Book of Exodus.''God sent out spies into the land of Canaan''. From there, Christopher Andrew traces the shift in the ancient world from divination to what we would recognize as attempts to gather real intelligence in the conduct of military operations, and considers how far ahead of the West - at that time - China and India were. He charts the development of intelligence and security operations and capacity through, amongst others, Renaissance Venice, Elizabethan England, Revolutionary America, Napoleonic France, right up to sophisticated moTrade ReviewTo write a world history of intelligence, from the dawn of recorded history to the present day, is a daunting task. To make such a work accurate, comprehensive, digestible and startling, and all in a single volume, is a stellar achievement. But that is what Christopher Andrew has done in The Secret World. -- Edward Lucas * The Times *Brilliant in its sweep and near-miraculous in the detail and confident judgements provided on two and a half millennia of spying ... The book is a crowning triumph of one of the most adventurous scholars of the security world -- John Lloyd * Financial Times *Christopher Andrew delivers a stunning secret archaeology of a subject that he himself helped to create -- Richard J. Aldrich * Times Literary Supplement *
£17.09
Marble Hill Publishers BEHIND THE BATTLE: Intelligence in the war with
Book SynopsisMany studies have covered aspects of military intelligence available to Britain and her allies during the Second World War. This distinguished book provides a succinct and authoritative survey of the vital role Ultra played in achieving final victory., When war began Britain was as ill-prepared in intelligence as armaments. Civilian scientists had discovered the principle of radar in the mid-1930s, but everything had to be learned from scratch in the heat of emergency. First signs of improvement came in mid-1941, when Ultra targeted naval vessels and bomber aircraft onto so many of Rommel's supply ships that the Africa Corps almost withered on the vine. From then on intelligence played an increasingly indispensable part in final victory. Ultra won the Battle of the Atlantic, driving U-boats back to coastal waters by June 1943. Ultra confirmed the whereabouts of the German tanks as Montgomery planned the breakthrough to Alamein. Only 'Bomber' Harris refused to give intelligence the credit it deserved; on the basis of new evidence this fascinating book strongly reinforces criticism this costly mistake.Table of ContentsList of Maps Preface to New Edition Acknowledgements Introduction 1. 1939: Thick Darkness Brooding 2. 1940-1941: First Rays of Light 3. 1941-1943: A Brighter Prospect in the Mediterranean 4. 1939-1945: Ten-Tenths Cloud Cover: Intelligence and Bomber Command 5. 1941-1945: Shadow and Sunlight Over the Atlantic 6. 1943-1945: Clear Skies in Italy, Storm Over the Balkans 7. 1944-1945: Set Fair in the West, then Autumn Showers Appendix I: Enigma and Ultra Appendix II: The Controversy Over Crete Appendix III: Harris and Intelligence Appendix IV: Signals to Command Abroad Appendix VI: How It Was Done Appendix VII: Illustrations of Ultra Reference Notes Select Bibliography Main Events 1939-1945 Abbreviations Index
£12.34
Pen & Sword Books Ltd BRIXMIS and the Secret Cold War
Book SynopsisThe German Democratic Republic, or East Germany, was the frontline in the Cold War, packed with hundreds of thousands of Soviet and East German troops armed with the latest Warsaw Pact equipment, lined up along the 1,400 km Inner German Border. However, because of the repressive East German police state, little human intelligence about these forces reached the West. Who were they? Where were they located? What were they doing? How were they equipped? What were their intentions? NATO was lined up in West Germany to face these forces and relied on getting up-to-date intelligence to warn of any threat, Indicators of Hostility' that could be a precursor to an invasion. BRIXMIS, the British Commanders'-in-Chief Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany, was on hand to provide that intelligence. Thanks to an obscure 1946 agreement between the British and Soviets that established liaison missions' in their respective zones of occupation, the British were able to send highly qualified military
£21.25
Polperro Heritage Press Another Mans Shoes
Book SynopsisAn account of a Norwegian scientist's escape from German custody during the Second World War after his arrest for spying. 60 years later, his daughter sets out on foot with her sister to retrace their father's flight from Nazi-occupied Norway, meeting some of the people who helped him along the way.Table of ContentsIntroduction by Ellie Somme Sven's Story Chapter 1 This Quiet Countryside Chapter 2 Things Begin To Happen Chapter 3 The Victorious Wehrmacht Chapter 4 The Germans Take Over Chapter 5 We Start Afresh Chapter 6 An Illegal Newspaper Chapter 7 A Friend Pays A Visit Chapter 8 Secret Work Chapter 9 Thin Ice Chapter 10 The Crack Chapter 11 Events Unfold Chapter 12 Under Arrest Chapter 13 The Escape Chapter 14 Across The Mountains Chapter 15 More Mountains Chapter 16 Respite Chapter 17 Onwards To Sweden Epilogue Iacob's Story
£9.95
Greenhill Books The Bletchley Park Codebreakers in Their Own
Book SynopsisA fascinating anthology which sheds new light on the Bletchley Park story and shows that there is still more to tell.' - Tony Comer OBE, formerly Departmental Historian at GCHQ This important volume tells the story of Bletchley Park through countless letters written by key players to former colleagues and loved ones as the war unfolded. Having intercepted millions of German communications, the codebreakers had felt bound by the Official Secrets Act and said little about their wartime activities. Some who had stayed on at GCHQ after the war, were concerned that speaking out could jeopardise their pensions.Over one hundred letters have been included in this volume and have either been recovered from family members or declassified by GCHQ. They reveal fresh information about the clandestine operation and disclose the true feelings of the participants at Bletchley.Park. In contrast to early accounts, which lacked detail and were occasionally inaccurate, this book thoroughly lays bare the day-to-day experiences at Bletchley Park and uncovers the operational and technical reasons behind the organisation's successes and failures. Simultaneously intimate and comprehensive, it will interest historians, World War II researchers, and anyone who wants to learn the secrets of Britain's signal intelligence effort.
£21.25
Headline Publishing Group Codebreakers and Spies How British Intelligence
Book SynopsisThe story of how Britain's intelligence operatives, experts and special operations teams contributed to the Allies' victory in the Second World War. Table of ContentsIntroduction • MI6 • Bletchley Park • MI5 • Special Operations Executive • Intelligence Services of the Governments-in-Exile - Poland, Norway and Czechoslovakia • Naval Intelligence • Air Intelligence • Intelligence in Occupied Europe • SOE Operations in Occupied Europe • North African Campaign • Intelligence in the Middle East • The Balkans • Churchill's Obsession with Intelligence • SOE Operations in the Middle East • The Invasion of North Africa and Southern Europe • Battle of the Atlantic • US Intelligence - working with Bletchley, MI6 and SOE • Women in the Secret War • MI19 - The Interrogation of German Prisoners • Double-Cross System • Intelligence in the Far East • D-Day Intelligence - Invention of the Modern Computer • D-Day and Operation Bodyguard • German Intelligence and How it Failed • MI6 Preparations for the Cold War.
£17.00
John Blake Publishing Ltd Military Intelligence Blunders
Book Synopsis'A cracking good read... I will recommend this book to anyone' - Professor Richard Holmes, CBE 'The Falklands, Yom Kippur, Tet and Pearl Harbor? Avoidable intelligence blunders or much worse? Altogether a compelling read from someone who knows the business' - Nigel WestThis book is a professional military-intelligence officer's - and controversial insider's - view of some of the greatest intelligence blunders of recent history. It includes the serious developments in government misuse of intelligence in the US-led coalition's 2003 war with Iraq, as well as failures of intelligence in Ukraine following Russia's invasion in February 2022. Colonel John Hughes-Wilson analyses not just the events that conspire to cause disaster, but why crucial intelligence is so often ignored, misunderstood or spun by politicians and seasoned generals alike. This book analyses: how Hitler's intelligence staff misled him in a bid to outfox their Nazi Party rivals; the bureaucratic bungling behind Pearl Harbor; how in-fighting within American intelligence ensured they were taken off guard by the Viet Cong's 1968 Tet Offensive; how overconfidence, political interference and deception facilitated Egypt and Syria's 1973 surprise attack on Israel; why a handful of marines and a London taxicab were all Britain had to defend the Falklands; the mistaken intelligence that allowed Saddam Hussein to remain in power until the second Iraq War of 2003; the truth behind the US failure to run a terrorist warning system before the 9/11 WTC bombing; and how governments are increasingly pressurising intelligence agencies to 'spin' a party-political line.
£10.44
Granta Books Cruel Britannia: A Secret History of Torture
Book SynopsisThe official line is clear: the UK does not 'participate in, solicit, encourage or condone' torture. And yet, the evidence is irrefutable: when faced with potential threats to our national security, the gloves always come off. Drawing on previously unseen official documents, and the accounts of witnesses, victims and experts, prize-winning investigative journalist Ian Cobain looks beyond the cover-ups and the equivocations, to get to the truth. From WWII to the War on Terror, via Kenya and Northern Ireland, Cruel Britannia shows how the British have repeatedly and systematically resorted to torture, bending the law where they can, and issuing categorical denials all the while. What emerges is a picture of Britain that challenges our complacency and exposes the lie behind our reputation for fair play.
£9.49
Headline Publishing Group Secret Britain
Book SynopsisDiscover the stories of the brave men and women who worked, trained and fought across the UK, from Bletchley Park in southern England all the way to Arisaig in northern Scotland, in an unbelievable effort to defeat the Nazis and win the Second World War .From the outset of the war, most of Britain felt like a mystery even to those who lived there. All road and railway signs were removed up and down the country to thwart potential enemy spies. An invisible web of cunning spread across the United Kingdom; secret laboratories were hidden in marshes, underground bases were built to conceal key strategic plans and grand country houses became secret and silent locations for eccentric boffins to do their confidential cryptography work.In Secret Britain, Sinclair McKay maps out the UK through the hidden bases and battlegrounds of WWII. These locations are full of history and intrigue, but if you don''t know where to look, you might just misTrade ReviewEngrossing . . . well-researched, powerfully written, and balanced. For all interested in military history and World War II. * Library Journal *Secret Britain successfully combines coverage of the importance of the interception and deciphering of messages in the UK and abroad, with insights into the private lives of the employees who did this work. * Times Literary Supplement *
£999.99
HarperCollins The Art Spy
Book Synopsis
£22.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Dhofar Conflict
Book SynopsisCOIN - counterinsurgency - is a major element in international relations - both historical and ''IR theory'' - and in military history. It was a vital component in the Cold War and decolonisation. COIN is now widely contrasted with ''Big War'' theory in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war and proxy-war with NATO, but is still a global phenomenon.Dhofar as a mis-ruled province of ''medieval'' Oman, saw insurgency initiated by the Dhofar Liberation Front (DLF) and its successors organizations including the Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman and the Arabian Gulf (PFLOAG). These were supported variously by China, the USSR and other Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt and Iraq, but the insurgency was defeated by a combination Omani, British, Iranian and Jordanian forces. The COIN win in Dhofar prevented the spread of Communism on the Arabian Peninsula, thereby protecting British Middle Eastern influence and the vital Gulf oil supply to both the UK and wider Western economic bloc. Th
£21.25
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Spitfire PhotoRecce Units of World War 2
Book SynopsisA fascinating exploration of the feats of the RAF''s photographic reconnaissance aircraft.The photographic reconnaissance (PR) versions of the Supermarine Spitfire saw service against the Axis Tripartite throughout World War 2. Its superior performance even led to the USAAF adopting the type for the Eighth Air Force''s reconnaissance needs in Europe. PR Spitfires were responsible for some of the most significant intelligence finds of the war from low-level oblique photographs of new German radars in France to locating the battleship Bismarck off the Norwegian coast before it attempted to sortie into the Atlantic. It has been estimated that as much as 80 per cent of Allied intelligence was gathered from aerial photographs, many of which were taken by cameras installed in PR Spitfires.In this volume, RAF PR specialist Andrew Fletcher details the important part played by the small number of ''photo-recce'' Spitfires in the key theatres of World War 2. HisTable of Contents(Subject to Confirmation) 1. Origins (1939 to November 1940) 2. Re-organisation (November 1940 to November 1941) 3. Overseas operations (1942–43) 4. USAAF operations (1943–45) 5. Global operations (1944–45) Appendices - Listing of operational units equipped with PR Spitfires (variants and locations) - Colour plates commentaries Index
£15.29
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Behind the Enigma: The Authorised History of
Book SynopsisYou know about MI5. You know about MI6. Now discover the untold stories behind Britain’s most secretive intelligence agency, in the first ever authorised history of GCHQ. For a hundred years, GCHQ – Government Communications Headquarters – has been at the forefront of innovation in national security and British secret statecraft. Famed for its codebreaking achievements during the Second World War, and essential to the Allied victory, GCHQ also held a critical role in both the Falklands War and Cold War. Today, amidst the growing threats of terrorism and online crime, GCHQ continues to be the UK’s leading intelligence, security and cyber agency, and a powerful tool of the British state. Based on unprecedented access to classified archives, Behind the Enigma is the first book to authoritatively tell the entire history of this most unique and enigmatic of organisations – and peer into its future at the heart of the nation’s security.Trade ReviewFascinating … [Ferris] has rescued several great women codebreakers from obscurity … [Bletchley Park] has become embedded in national myth, but Ferris offers cool and balanced judgment … This monumental work completes the authorised picture of a century of British intelligence, a testament to how far Britain has moved away from the cult of official secrecy -- Ben Macintyre * The Times *In Ferris we have a shrewd and scrupulous historian … The references to individual people at all levels of the service are many and illuminating … Small details can bring a nod or a smile when one is reading … GCHQ shows it is alert to the role of a security and defence agency in a modern democracy, and Ferris is to be congratulated for shedding so much light upon it -- Vin Arthey * Scotsman *The book is at its best when sifting the role of signal intelligence (Sigint) in the Falklands war and other late imperial conflicts such as Indonesia and Palestine … Comprehensive -- Luke Harding * Guardian *GCHQ emerges from the shadows … The story of the codebreakers is in fact a parallel history of the entire twentieth century … There is intriguing detailing of the organisation’s structure and systems ... Illuminating ... Absorbing -- Sinclair McKay * Spectator *What happens when a tiny caste, so obsessed with keeping thing hidden that it speaks its own language of Ultra, Venona or Zircon, opens up? … The answer – not withstanding significant restriction on what Ferris was allowed to publish – is a book of revelation … Although he spent months sifting the papers in a high-security Cheltenham vault, [Ferris] does not lose sight of the big picture … There is much in the book that illuminates other aspects of postwar history, from the struggle against the Jewish underground in Palestine to the 1982 Falklands conflict … Today, [Ferris] argues, greater openness about intelligence gathering does not affect its relevance and power. His book is an example of this, and shows that the abandonment of Cold War levels of secrecy about GCHQ benefits us all -- Mark Urban * Sunday Times *There is so much more to this secrecy-shrouded outfit, reveals Canadian historian John Ferris … Fielding formidable research, Ferris tells a global tale of mathematics, engineering, data sciences and linguistics in the service of politics, diplomacy, war and security -- Andrew Robinson * Nature *[Ferris] has written a deeply learned, comprehensive account of [GCHQ’s] achievements and occasional failures -- Saul David * Daily Telegraph *A fascinating tale … It takes us with the codebreakers – mathematicians, linguists, teachers and philosophers and eccentrics – through the ages of radio, telegrams telephone and satellites to the digital present -- Philip Stephens * Financial Times *
£15.29
John Blake Publishing Ltd Undercover War: Britain's Special Forces and
Book SynopsisWhen British troops first deployed to Northern Ireland in 1969 to keep apart rioting factions of loyalists and nationalists, they could not have known that they were being drawn into the longest campaign in the British Army's history, a battle against the threat of a new rising force - the Provisional Irish Republican Army. While patrols, vehicle bombs and incendiary speeches are the defining memories of the Troubles, the real war was fought out of sight and out of mind. For thirty years, Britain's Special Forces waged a ferocious, secretive struggle against a ruthless and implacable enemy. Harry McCallion's deep experience across the theatre of Northern Ireland offers a unique insight into nearly every major military action and operation in the Province. Having served seven tours with the Parachute Regiment, undergone selection for 14 Intelligence Company, completed six years with the SAS - including two tours with their anti-terrorism team - and received two commendations for bravery during service with the Royal Ulster Constabulary, there are few more qualified to tell this astonishing story. This book is his blistering account of the history of Britain's war against the IRA between 1970 and 1998. From new insights into high-profile killings and riveting accounts of enemy contact, to revelations about clandestine missions and the strategies used in combating a merciless enemy, Undercover War is the definitive inside story of the battle against the IRA, one of the most dangerous and effective terrorist organisations in recent history.
£9.49
Headline Publishing Group 50 Codes that Changed the World
Book SynopsisA CUNNING CHRONICLE OF THE 50 CODES THAT ALTERED THE COURSE OF HISTORY AND CHANGED THE WORLDFrom the bestselling author of Bletchley Park Brainteasers and The Scotland Yard Puzzle Book. There have been secret codes since before the Old Testament, and there were secret codes in the Old Testament too. Almost as soon as writing was invented, so too were the devious means to hide messages and keep them under the wraps of secrecy.In 50 Codes that Changed the World, Sinclair McKay explores these uncrackable codes, secret cyphers and hidden messages from across time to tell a new history of a secret world. From the temples of Ancient Greece to the court of Elizabeth I; from antique manuscripts whose codes might hold prophecies of doom to the modern realm of quantum mechanics, you will see how a few concealed words could help to win wars, spark revolutions and even change the faces of great nations.<Trade ReviewThis book [The Secret Life of Bletchley Park] seems a remarkably faithful account of what we did, why it mattered, and how it all felt at the time by someone who couldn't possibly have been born then. * The Guardian *[Bletchley Park Brainteasers] is outrageously difficult but utterly fascinating. * The Express *Disturbing and compelling in equal measure. Sinclair McKay brings a dark subject vividly to life in [The Fire and the Darkness]. * Keith Lowe, author of Savage Continent and The Fear and the Freedom *Engrossing . . . well-researched, powerfully written, and balanced. For all interested in military history and World War II. * Library Journal *Sinclair McKay's account of this secret war of the airwaves in [Secret Listeners] is as painstakingly researched and fascinating as his bestselling The Secret Life Of Bletchley Park, and an essential companion to it. * Daily Mail *Powerful . . . there is rage in his ink. McKay's book [Dresden] grips by its passion and originality. Some 25,000 people perished in the firestorm that raged through the city. I have never seen it better described' -- Max Hastings * Sunday Times *
£10.44
Transworld Publishers Ltd Firewall
Book SynopsisTough, resourceful and ruthless, ex-SAS trooper Nick Stone is now working for British Intelligence on deniable operations. And is desperately in need of cash.When he is offered a lucrative freelance job, Stone thinks his problems are over. All he needs to do is kidnap a Russian mafia warlord.And so Stone is thrust into the grim underworld of Estonia, with unknown aggressors stalking the Arctic landscape. Russia has launched a cyber-espionage attack, hacking into the West''s most sensitive military secrets. Stone must stop them. But the mafia are waiting in the wings with their own chillingly brutal solution...Trade ReviewMcNab is a terrific novelist. When it comes to thrills, he's Forsyth class * Mail on Sunday *McNab's great asset is that the heart of his fiction is non-fiction: other thriller writers do their research, but he has actually been there * The Sunday Times *
£11.69
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Convoy
Book SynopsisThe Convoy represents a fresh approach to the story of the Battle of the Atlantic. It is also the first to deal with the more spectacular story of HG-76, a major turning point in the naval war.HG-76 sailed from Gibraltar to Britain in December 1941 and was specially targeted by the Germans. A wolfpack of U-boats was sent against it, and the Luftwaffe was heavily committed too in a rare example of German inter-service cooperation. German intelligence agents in Gibraltar and Spain also knew every detail of HG-76 before it had even sailed, seemingly stacking the odds in favour of the Kriegsmarine. Despite this the convoy fought its way through. Improved radar and sonar gave the convoy''s escorts a slight edge over their opponents, while the escort group was led by Commander Walker, an anti-submarine expert who had developed new, aggressive U-boat hunting tactics. Previous Gibraltar convoys had been mauled by Luftwaffe bombers opTrade ReviewThis gripping story of a vitally important wartime convoy battle is long overdue. * Dan Snow, historian and broadcaster *Brilliant – one of the most dramatic stories of the Second World War at sea brought meticulously to life. * Dr. Sam Willis, historian and broadcaster *With his detailed research from many sources, Angus Konstam brings to life the story of the battle around convoy HG76, escorted by the brilliant Commander Johnnie Walker RN. * Vice Admiral Mike Gretton CB CVO, son of escort commander Sir Peter Gretton *Angus Konstam brings a multi-perspective approach to this highly readable and engrossing account of Convoy HG76. * Captain Patrick Walker CBE RN, grandson of Johnnie Walker RN *A work of real integrity, his portrayal of this epic struggle brilliantly captures the intensity and drama of this key episode in the Battle of the Atlantic. Simply gripping! * Captain Bill Oliphant RN, CEO Royal Naval Association *Table of Contents(Subject to confirmation) Prologue Introduction Chapter 1: A Dark Time Chapter 2: The Gibraltar Run Chapter 3: Assembling the Convoy Chapter 4: The Audacity Chapter 5: Wolfpack Seeräuber Chapter 6: Leaving the Rock Chapter 7: First Blood to Nestor Chapter 8: Home for Christmas Chapter 9: Good Hunting Chapter 10: Red, Black and Yellow Flights Chapter 11: Gengelbach’s Revenge Chapter 12: Operation Buttercup Chapter 13: Winkle’s First Kill Chapter 14: Lit up by Snowflakes Chapter 15: The Loss of Audacity Chapter 16: The Western Approaches Chapter 17: Home Run Chapter 18: Taking Stock Epilogue Notes Bibliography Appendix I: The Merchant Ships of Convoy HG-76 Appendix II: The Convoy Escorts Appendix III. U-boats Involved Index
£21.25
Pen & Sword Books Gordon Welchman Bletchley Parks Architect of
Book SynopsisThe untold story of one of Bletchley Park's less-celebrated geniuses.
£14.24
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Secrets of the Cold War: Espionage and
Book SynopsisThe Cold War, which lasted from the end of the Second World War to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, was fought mostly in the shadows, with the superpowers manoeuvring for strategic advantage in an anticipated global armed confrontation that thankfully never happened. How did the intelligence organisations of the major world powers go about their work? What advantages were they looking for? Did they succeed? By examining some of the famous, infamous, or lesser-known intelligence operations from both sides of the Iron Curtain, this book explains how the superpowers went about gathering intelligence on each other, examines the type of information they were looking for, what they did with it, and how it enabled them to stay one step ahead of the opposition. Possession of these secrets threatened a Third World War, but also helped keep the peace for more than four decades. With access to previously unreleased material, the author explores how the intelligence organisations, both civilian and military, took advantage of rapid developments in technology, and how they adapted to the changing threat. The book describes the epic scale of some of these operations, the surprising connections between them, and how they contributed to a complex multi-layered intelligence jigsaw which drove decision making at the highest level. On top of all the tradecraft, gadgets and cloak and dagger', the book also looks at the human side of espionage: their ideologies and motivations, the winners and losers, and the immense courage and frequent betrayal of those whose lives were touched by the Secrets of the Cold War.
£21.25
Eland Publishing Ltd A Ride to Khiva: An Adventure in Central Asia
Book SynopsisIn the winter of 1875, a young British officer set out across central Asia on an unofficial mission to investigate the latest Russian moves in the Great Game. His goal was the mysterious Central Asian city of Khiva, closed to all European travellers by the Russians following their seizure of it two years earlier. His aim was to discover whether this remote and dangerous oasis could be used as a springboard for an invasion of India. An immediate bestseller when first published in 1877, Burnaby s delight in a life of risk and adventure still burns through the pages, as does his spontaneous affection for the Cossack troopers and Tartar, Khirgiz and Turkoman tribesmen that he encounters on his way.
£11.69
Arcturus Publishing Ltd The Codebreakers of Bletchley Park: The Secret
Book Synopsis''Turing writes on codebreaking with understandable authority and compelling panache.'' - Michael Smith, bestselling author of Station X. At Bletchley Park, some of Britain''s most talented mathematicians, linguists, and intellectuals were assembled to break Nazi codes. Kept secret for nearly thirty years, we have now come to realise the crucial role that these codebreakers played in the Allied victory in World War II. Written by Dermot Turing - the nephew of famous codebreaker Alan Turing - this illustrated account provides unique insight into the behind-the-scenes action at Bletchley Park. Discover how brilliant and eccentric individuals such as Dilly Knox, Alan Turing and Joan Clarke were recruited, the social life that grew up around the park, and how they dealt with the ever-present burden of secrecy. Including a foreword by Professor Christopher Andrew of Cambridge University, author of MI5''s official history The Defence of the Realm, this book brings to life the stories of the men and women who toiled day and night to crack the seemingly unbreakable enigma code.
£9.49
The Mercier Press Ltd The Squad: And the Intelligence Operations of
Book SynopsisIn 1919, Michael Collins conceived of a scheme to knock out the eyes and ears of the British Administration at Dublin Castle by undermining and terrorising the police so that the British would react blindly and drive the Irish people to support of the Irish Republican Army. The Bureau of Military History interviewed those involved in this scheme in the early 1950s with the assurance that the material would not be published in their lifetimes. A few of the contributions were made available by the families of those involved, but the bulk of them have only recently been released. This is the first book to make use of those interviews. It makes fascinating, almost unique reading, because they contain first-hand descriptions in which men speak candidly of their involvement in killing selected people at close range. As a result it throws a considerable amount of new light on the activities of the Squad and the intelligence operations of Michael Collins.Table of ContentsPreface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 1 ‘I knew he was the man’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 2 ‘Only the beginning’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 3 ‘Every damn fool’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 4 ‘Almost a miracle I was not landed’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 5 ‘I do not defend the murder simply as such I merely applaud it’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 6 ‘Shooting of a few would-be assassins’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 7 ‘Expect shooting’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 8 ‘A little bit of strategy’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 9 ‘We are going to have sport now’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 10 ‘The first shot was fired from the lord mayor’s own gun’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 11 ‘No harm would come to Mick’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 12 ‘I’ve my orders to shoot him’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 13 ‘Like a town with the plague’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 14 ‘The Lord have mercy on your souls!’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 15 ‘The most disgraceful show’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 16 ‘Too good to be true’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 17 ‘Someone has to die for this’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 18 ‘She wants to see General MacEoin’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 19 ‘Miss, you’ll be lucky if you get out with your life’ . . . 244 Epilogue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262 Index of Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
£999.99
Pluto Press The Covert Colour Line
Book SynopsisAn innovative theory of state intelligenceTrade Review'Raises a fascinating question: what if the biggest failures of intelligence are not the factual errors, but the inbuilt biases that shape what types of information is deemed useful, or even legible, to the state?' -- Lisa Stampnitzky, Lecturer of Politics at the University of Sheffield, UK, and author of 'Disciplining Terror: How Experts Invented “Terrorism”''A ground-breaking contribution to the field. Elegantly written, the book decodes a plethora of declassified documents showing the racialised assumptions underlying the use and abuse of intelligence in contemporary Western politics. This is a must-read for anyone interested in democratic politics, recent armed conflicts in the Middle East or asymmetrical global power relations' -- Dr. Elisabeth Schweiger, Lecturer, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of York, UK'Your jaw will drop and your heart will break. We urgently need this reckoning with the role of race-thinking in international politics. Lives depend on it' -- Gargi Bhattacharyya'A ground-breaking analysis revealing how Western intelligence failures are not isolated incidents but symptomatic of a racialised imagination of other societies as 'ignorant, emotional, and illogical', ultimately threatening peace and maintaining inequality. Essential reading for anyone interested in how intelligence is made, (mis)used and underpins international relations' -- Owen David Thomas, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, University of Exeter and founding member of the Secrecy Power and Ignorance Network (SPIN)Table of ContentsList of figures Acronyms and Abbreviations Acknowledgements Introduction: Ukraine, Iraq, and the failure of intelligence failure 1. Whispering geopolitics in a decolonising world 2. Dragons and tigers and bears, oh my: The invention of the mirror-image problem Part Two 3. Getting to know Saddam Hussein 4. 'They buried things in the sand': The threat of Iraq and the secret of race Conclusion: Libya, the Arab Spring, and the success of intelligence failure Notes Index
£17.09
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Northern Ireland: The Troubles: From The Provos
Book SynopsisIt is, of course, no secret that undercover Special Forces and intelligence agencies operated in Northern Ireland and the Republic throughout the 'troubles', from 1969 to 2001 and beyond. What is less well known is how these units were recruited, how they operated, what their mandate was and what they actually did. This is the first account to reveal much of this hitherto unpublished information, providing a truly unique record of surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, collusion and undercover combat. An astonishing number of agencies were active to combat the IRA murder squads ('the Provos'), among others the Military Reaction Force (MRF) and the Special Reconnaissance Unit, also known as the 14 Field Security and Intelligence Company ('The Det'), as well as MI5, Special Branch, the RUC, the UDR and the Force Research Unit (FRU), later the Joint Support Group (JSG)). It deals with still contentious and challenging issues as shoot-to-kill, murder squads, the Disappeared, and collusion with loyalists. It examines the findings of the Stevens, Cassel and De Silva reports and looks at operations Loughgall, Andersonstown, Gibraltar and others.
£11.69
Ebury Publishing The Attributes
Book SynopsisRich Diviney is a retired Navy SEAL Commander. In a career spanning more than twenty years, he completed more than thirteen overseas deployments-eleven of which were to Iraq and Afghanistan. As the officer in charge of training for a specialized command, he spearheaded the creation of a SEAL directorate that fused physical, mental, and emotional disciplines. He led his small team to create the first ever "Mind Gym" in Naval Special Warfare that helped SEALs train their brains to perform faster, longer, and better, especially in high-stress environments. Since his retirement, Diviney has worked as a speaker, facilitator, and consultant, training more than five thousand business, athletic, and military leaders. Rich also works with Simon Sinek's organization, Start With WHY.Trade ReviewSo much of what I know about trust I learned from Rich Diviney. I'm so glad he wrote The Attributes. It's the go-to reference for anyone looking to improve the quality of trust and performance across their team * Simon Sinek, optimist and New York Times bestselling author of Start with Why and The Infinite Game *If 2020 taught us anything, it's that things can go sideways at any moment. Rich Diviney's incredible book The Attributes explains why some people thrive -- even when things get hard. It's about where grit, mental agility, drive, and leadership come from. Mastering skills on its own doesn't deliver success. Understanding how to cultivate your attributes is the key * Charles Duhigg, New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Habit *What is greatness made of? How do you grow into the best version of yourself? Many have explored these questions, and none have succeeded so brilliantly as Rich Diviney in this terrific, perspective-shifting book. The Attributes provides a powerful new model for achieving high performance-and, even better, a tool kit for reflection, assessment, and continual improvement. If you care about getting better, you need to buy this book * Daniel Coyle, bestselling author of THE CULTURE CODE *The Attributes is terrific. Rich Diviney has brought world-class experience and deep intelligence to one of the least understood yet crucially important aspects of human performance. If you call yourself 'a leader,' or if you want to call yourself 'a leader,' this book is a must-read! * Steven Kotler, New York Times bestselling author and executive director of the Flow Research Collective *
£17.09
Little, Brown Book Group Spies
Book SynopsisThe riveting story of the hundred-year intelligence war between Russia and the West with lessons for our new superpower conflict with China''A masterpiece'' CHRISTOPHER ANDREW, author of The Defence of the Realm: The Authorised History of MI5''The book we have all been waiting for'' BRENDAN SIMMS, author of Hitler: A Global Biography''Gripping, authoritative... A vivid account of intelligence skulduggery'' KirkusEspionage, election meddling, disinformation, assassinations, subversion, and sabotage - all attract headlines today about Putin''s dictatorship. But they are far from new. The West has a long-term Russia problem, not a Putin problem. Spies mines hitherto secret archives and exclusive interviews with former agents to tell the history of the war that Russia and the West have been waging for a century. Espionage dark arts were the Kremlin''s means to equalise the imbalance of arms Trade ReviewAn engrossing history of the century-long intelligence war between the US, Britain and Russia... crisp and authoritative * Financial Times *Spies has scholarly clout as well as an insider feel... It is hardly news that the Soviet Union spied a lot. But there are few accounts as comprehensive as this one, spanning the Bolshevik revolution to the present day, while weaving in new archival material, some declassified as recently as 2022 * The Economist *A pioneering study of espionage from 1917 to the present day... Walton distinguishes himself from many other writers in the field of intelligence studies by scrutinising the real impact that espionage, whether Western or Soviet, had on international relations * Literary Review *Gripping as a spy thriller, accessible and well-researched as the best history, this is an epic account of the global espionage game between Russia and America from Lenin to Putin, a world history through spying * Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of The World: A Family History of Humanity *A vivid account of intelligence skulduggery... Walton is incisive in his analyses... A gripping, authoritative work * Kirkus, starred review *4 stars... The book goes from an age when the West saw spying as ungentlemanly, and was on the back foot, up to today - and warns we are already in a cold war with China and must act before it's too late * Sun *Spies is therefore not just a book about espionage or even intelligence, but also an ambitious and impressive account of the changing nature of information * Times Literary Supplement *Walton seems to have rushed to every archive, East and West, just as the archivist turned the key in the lock so that he could blow the dust off long-held secrets. His pages crackle with the electric thrill of discovery... People may debate Walton's judgement on particular episodes in the cold war, but thanks to his astoundingly deep research they will do so armed with invaluable new information * New York Review of Books *Walton engagingly charts the complex interactions between the intelligence services of the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Soviet Union (and its successor, Russia) over more than a century... enlivened by original research and sharp writing -- Lawrence D. Freedman * Foreign Affairs, Best Books of 2023 *The big book has no longueurs, and even gains momentum as it turns to the present day. Mr Putin's invasion of Ukraine serves as a capstone to Mr. Walton's century long story, though he knows that the Cold War between Russia and America will not be the story of the 21st century. Accordingly, he looks to shed light on America's rivalry with China * Wall Street Journal *A masterpiece! The intelligence report on Russia and Ukraine in February 1922 with which Spies begins could have been written on the eve of Putin's invasion a hundred years later in February 2023. A major obstacle to understanding the current crisis, triumphantly overcome by Calder Walton, is Historical Attention-Span Deficit Disorder. As Spies vividly demonstrates, we are living through the latest stage of an Epic Intelligence War Between East and West which began a century ago and shows no sign of ending. * Christopher Andrew, author of The Defence of the Realm: The Authorized History of MI5 *Spies is the book we have all been waiting for. Calder Walton is one of the leading intelligence historians of his generation, and his epic account - replete with human drama and tragedy - shows that Russia's struggle against the west neither began with the Cold War nor ended with the disintegration of the Soviet Union. This volume will engross the general reader and policy makers alike, not least because it provides an unsettling window into the behaviour of the second challenger, the People's Republic of China. * Professor Brendan Simms, Cambridge University *Spies grabs you from the opening page and never lets go. One of our foremost historians of the East-West intelligence war takes us deep inside this grand and often spine-chilling struggle, which predated the Cold War and still rages today. Authoritative, sweeping, chock full of fresh and riveting details, this is a gem of a book. * Fredrik Logevall, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Embers of War *Calder Walton's deeply researched and artfully crafted book offers a masterclass in twentieth-century and contemporary history. It is rich with trenchant analysis, surprising details, cautionary tales, and unique insight into the 'hundred years war' between American and Russian intelligence agencies. Spanning the Bolshevik Revolution to the war in Ukraine, it is essential reading for anyone trying to understanding the complicated trajectory of current events * Fiona Hill, deputy assistant to the U.S. president and senior director for European and Russia on the U.S. National Security Council from 2017 to 2019 *Calder Walton has written the definitive compendium of intelligence operations in the Cold War, and their critical, if hidden, influence in shaping events and outcomes * Paul Kolbe, former chief of CIA's Central Eurasian Division *
£21.25
Princeton University Press Spies Lies and Algorithms
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Longlisted for the Airey Neave Book Prize, Airey Neave Trust""Zegart provides not just a sweeping history of the U.S. intelligence community but also nuggets that help place events in a new context. . . . A perfect primer for anyone trying to understand how the intelligence community is meeting the challenges of the digital age."---Dina Temple-Raston, Washington Post"A lucid and sobering account of how digital and other technological breakthroughs are ‘generating new uncertainties and empowering new adversaries’ for the United States at a time when its intelligence agencies are uniquely stressed. . . . Zegart offers no easy solutions but warns that the world of cyberwarfare requires both a ‘paradigm shift’ and ‘mobilization in milliseconds.’ In the new world, national security must take precedence over intelligence gathering, enabling decision makers to respond forcefully and quickly to cyberattacks. The divide between Washington and tech giants must be bridged or a day of reckoning will surely come."---Harvey Klehr, Wall Street Journal"In Spies, Lies, and Algorithms, Amy Zegart of Stanford University looks at how technology is transforming cloak-and-dagger work." * The Economist *"This book cements Zegart's reputation as a leading historian and analyst of American foreign intelligence. . . . Highly recommended." * Choice *"Astute. . . . Brilliant. . . . In the wireless 21st-century world, espionage, sabotage, and brainwashing are no longer the province of government agencies; nearly anyone with an internet connection can do it. Disturbing but superbly insightful." * Kirkus Reviews, starred review *"This is a comprehensive and much needed study on the impact of technology on intelligence by a leading scholar in the field. Clear in argument, the book is meticulously researched and highly readable."---Dan Lomas, International Affairs
£16.19
Pen & Sword Books Ltd M.I.9
Book SynopsisIt was every British serviceman's duty, be he soldier, sailor or airman, to attempt to evade capture if stranded behind enemy lines or escape if captured. As there were potentially thousands of men who would find themselves cut off or captured during the Second World War, a branch of military intelligence, M.I.9, was set up in 1939 to instruct servicemen in evasion and escape techniques. Such was the success of M.I.9, and the determination and ingenuity of individuals and groups, about 35,000 Allied military personnel escaped PoW camps or evaded capture and made their way to Allied or neutral countries. How this highly secret unit was set up and organised, and how its great success was achieved, was documented by M.I.9 officers towards the end of the war and is published here for the first time. The history includes details of the lectures given to troops on how to avoid capture if on the run in enemy occupied territory (more than 2,000 lectures were given, to over half-a-million
£21.25
John Murray Press Russian Roulette
Book Synopsis''It reads like fiction, but it is, astonishingly, history'' THE TIMESIN 1917, AN ECCENTRIC BAND OF BRITISH SPIES IS SMUGGLED INTO NEWLY SOVIET RUSSIA.Their goal is to defeat Lenin''s plan to destroy British India and bring down the democracies of the West. These extraordinary spies, led by Mansfield Cumming, proved brilliantly successful. They found a wholly new way to deal with enemies, one that relied on espionage and dirty tricks rather than warfare. They were the unsung founders of today''s modern, highly professional secret services. They were also the inspiration for fictional heroes to follow, from James Bond to James Bond.''Readers will find themselves as gripped as they would be by the very best of Fleming or le Carré'' SUNDAY TIMES''Marvellous, meticulously researched and truly groundbreaking'' SIMON WINCHESTERTrade ReviewGiles Milton's fast-packed account of Britain's attempts to sabotage Lenin's revolution reads like a madcap thriller... Milton has synthesised and filleted a mass of material - old memoirs, official archives and newly released intelligence files - to produce a rollicking tale... which explains the long war against Russia with verve, wit and colour. It reads like fiction, but it is, astonishingly, history. * The Times *Giles Milton's fast-packed account of Britain's attempts to sabotage Lenin's revolution reads like a madcap thriller... Milton has synthesised and filleted a mass of material - old memoirs, official archives and newly released intelligence files - to produce a rollicking tale... which explains the long war against Russia with verve, wit and colour. It reads like fiction, but it is, astonishingly, history. * The Times *This gripping history of derring-do and invisible ink brings to life the exploits of the British spies who waged war against Russia during the Cold War ... Full of novelistic flourishes ... [readers] will find themselves as gripped as they would be by the very best of Fleming or le Carré. * The Sunday Times *This gripping history of derring-do and invisible ink brings to life the exploits of the British spies who waged war against Russia during the Cold War ... Full of novelistic flourishes ... [readers] will find themselves as gripped as they would be by the very best of Fleming or le Carré. * The Sunday Times *A terrific story, told with Milton's customary fluency and eye for detail. * Mail on Sunday *A terrific story, told with Milton's customary fluency and eye for detail. * Mail on Sunday *Milton is a compulsive storyteller whose rattling style ensures this is the antithesis of a dry treatise on espionage. And unlike 007, it's all true. * Daily Express *Milton is a compulsive storyteller whose rattling style ensures this is the antithesis of a dry treatise on espionage. And unlike 007, it's all true. * Daily Express *This chronicle of British undercover push back against Bolshevik world conspiracy proves to be an exciting ringside seat at the Russian Revolution... accomplished British author Milton does a fine job of keeping order without sparing suspense... A beguiling ride through a riotous time by a historian and able storyteller who knows his facts and his audience. * Kirkus (starred review) *This chronicle of British undercover push back against Bolshevik world conspiracy proves to be an exciting ringside seat at the Russian Revolution... accomplished British author Milton does a fine job of keeping order without sparing suspense... A beguiling ride through a riotous time by a historian and able storyteller who knows his facts and his audience. * Kirkus (starred review) *With this marvelous, meticulously researched and truly ground-breaking account of British spies working in Lenin's stripling Soviet Union, Giles Milton - with his best book so far - reminds us of a time when the spying game was dangerous, fun and even, dare one say it cool. * Simon Winchester, author of THE MAN WHO UNITED THE STATES *With this marvelous, meticulously researched and truly ground-breaking account of British spies working in Lenin's stripling Soviet Union, Giles Milton - with his best book so far - reminds us of a time when the spying game was dangerous, fun and even, dare one say it cool. * Simon Winchester, author of THE MAN WHO UNITED THE STATES *
£11.69
John Blake Publishing Ltd The Secret History of Flight 149: The true story
Book Synopsis'Damning' - Mail on Sunday'Utterly horrific and compelling' - The Guardian'This investigation rings true' - Publishers WeeklyOn 1 August, 1990, British Airways Flight 149 departed from Heathrow airport, destined for Kuala Lumpur. It never made it there, and neither did its nearly 400 passengers and crew.Instead, Flight 149 stopped in Kuwait, as Iraqi troops invaded - delivering the passengers and crew into the hands of Saddam Hussein. Why did BA Flight 149 land, even as all other flights were rerouted - and even though British and American governments had clear intelligence that Saddam was about to invade?The answer lies in a secret, unaccountable organization - authorised by Margaret Thatcher - carrying out a 'deniable' intelligence operation. The plane was the 'Trojan Horse', and the plan - as well as the horrific consequences for the civilian passengers - has been lied about, denied and covered up by successive governments ever since. Soon to be a major TV drama, this explosive book is written with the full cooperation of the survivors, as well as astonishing and conclusive input from a senior intelligence source. It is a story of scandal, betrayal and misuse of intelligence at the highest levels of UK and US governments - which has had direct impact on terror attacks in the West and the shape of the Middle East today. It is high time the truth is told.
£10.44
Biteback Publishing Bletchley Park Codebreakers
Book SynopsisThe British codebreakers at Bletchley Park are now believed to have shortened the duration of the Second World War by up to two years. During the dark days of 1941, as Britain stood almost alone against the the Nazis, this remarkable achievement seemed impossible. This extraordinary book, originally published as Action This Day, includes descriptions by some of Britain's foremost historians of the work of Bletchley Park, from the breaking ofEnigma and other wartime codes to the invention of modern computing, and its influence on Cold War codebreaking. Crucially, it features personal reminiscences and very human stories of wartime codebreaking from former Bletchley Park codebreakers themselves. This edition includes new material from one of those who was there, making The Bletchley Park Codebreakers compulsive reading. The best collection of military, espionage, and adventure stories ever told. The Dialogue Espionage Classics series began in 2010 with the purpose of bringing back classic out-of-print spying and espionage tales. From WWI and WWII to the Cold War, D-Day to the SOE, Bletchley Park to the Comet Line this fascinating spy history series brings you the best stories that should never be forgotten.Trade Review'Absolutely the best book ever written about codebreaking at Bletchley Park' Louis Kruh, Editor, Cryptologia '(A) remarkable collection of essays. Leaves one in awe of the complexity of Bletchley Park and its impact on both the world war and our postwar world.' Whitfield Diffie, Times Higher Educational Supplement
£11.69
The Pool of London Press The Cold War Spy Pocket Manual: The Official
Book Synopsis
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton Black Ops
Book SynopsisThe seventh book in the bestselling Danny Black seriesTrade ReviewPraise for Chris Ryan * : *The action comes bullet-fast and Ryan's experience of covert operations flash through the high-speed story like tracer rounds. * The Sun *Nobody takes you to the action better than Ryan, because he's the real deal, and this muscle-and-bone thriller will have fans' blood pumping. * Evening Standard *Ryan chooses fiercely up-to-the-minute plots, and laces them with an exceptional eye for detail and insider knowledge ... Fearsome and fast-moving. * Daily Mail *
£8.09
The History Press Ltd The Heroines of SOE
Book SynopsisBritain’s war in the shadows of male spies and subterfuge in the heart of occupied France is a story well known, but what of the women who also risked their lives for Britain and the liberation of France?In 1942 a desperate need for new recruits, saw SOE turn to a previously overlooked group – women.Trade Review‘They were the war’s bravest women, devoted to defeating the Nazis yet reluctant ever to reveal their heroic pasts. Now a new book tells their intrepid tales.’ * Daily Express *
£11.69
Quarto Publishing PLC The Secret Life of Bletchley Park: The History of
Book SynopsisBletchley Park was where one of the war's most famous - and crucial - achievements was made: the cracking of Germany's "Enigma" code in which its most important military communications were couched. This country house in the Buckinghamshire countryside was home to Britain's most brilliant mathematical brains, like Alan Turing, and the scene of immense advances in technology - indeed, the birth of modern computing. The military codes deciphered there were instrumental in turning both the Battle of the Atlantic and the war in North Africa. But, though plenty has been written about the boffins, and the codebreaking, fictional and non-fiction - from Robert Harris and Ian McEwan to Andrew Hodges' biography of Turing - what of the thousands of men and women who lived and worked there during the war? What was life like for them - an odd, secret territory between the civilian and the military? Sinclair McKay's book is the first history for the general reader of life at Bletchley Park, and an amazing compendium of memories from people now in their eighties - of skating on the frozen lake in the grounds (a depressed Angus Wilson, the novelist, once threw himself in) - of a youthful Roy Jenkins, useless at codebreaking, of the high jinks at nearby accommodation hostels - and of the implacable secrecy that meant girlfriend and boyfriend working in adjacent huts knew nothing about each other's work.Trade Review'McKay's book is an eloquent tribute to a quite remarkable group of men and women, whose like we will not see again.' Four stars **** Mail On Sunday 'I found this a truly breathtaking, eye-opening book.' -- A. N. Wilson Reader's Digest 'It is their stories, and the humbling thought of what their dedication to duty achieved, that make this book worth reading.' Four stars **** Daily Telegraph
£9.49
Biteback Publishing The Emperor's Codes: Bletchley Park's Role in
Book SynopsisIn his bestselling Station X, Michael Smith brought us the astonishing true story of the breaking of the Enigma Code. In The Emperor’s Codes, he continues the tale as he examines how Japan’s codes were broken and explores the consequences for the Second World War. The Emperor’s Codes tells the stories of John Tiltman, the eccentric British soldier turned codebreaker who made many of the early breaks into Japanese diplomatic and military codes; Eric Nave, the Australian sailor recruited to work for the British who pioneered breakthroughs in Japanese naval codes; and Hiroshi Oshima, the hard-drinking Japanese ambassador to Berlin whose candid reports to Tokyo of his conversations with Hitler and other high-ranking Nazis were a major source of intelligence in the war against Germany. Many of these revelations have been made possible only thanks to recently declassified British files, privileged access to Australian secret official histories and interviews with an unprecedented number of British, American and Australian codebreakers.
£10.44
McGill-Queen's University Press Agent of Change My Life Fighting Terrorists
Book SynopsisHuda Mukbil shares her experiences as a Black Arab-Canadian Muslim intelligence officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Her dazzling account reveals how racism, misogyny, and Islamophobia undermine not only individuals, but institutions and the national interest – and how addressing this can tackle populism and misinformation.Trade Review“A gripping, illuminating account of an accomplished intelligence officer’s battle against systemic discrimination at Canada’s spy service. Mukbil pulls aside the curtain and shows us the many roadblocks faced by racialized professionals. Rich in detail, this is an extraordinary and highly readable book.” Robert Fife, Globe and Mail bureau chief, Ottawa“Mukbil’s captivating memoir shows that love for one’s country must be sutured with the courage to speak the truth: a bravery both required and despised in Canadian national intelligence circles. She deftly navigates the complicated landscape of belonging in Canada and gives a defiant and resilient voice to the psychological toll of systemic racism.” Debra Thompson, author of The Long Road Home"Mukbil is a trailblazer in a secret world often dominated by men. Her powerful story combines an invaluable contribution to counterterrorism in Canada and Britain with a never-before-seen picture of spy agencies. It is utterly absorbing." Richard Kerbaj, author of The Secret History of the Five Eyes“After years of work in one of the country’s most opaque institutions, Mukbil offers the kind of candid prose on race, identity, and inclusion that’s rare to find on Canadian bookshelves. Straightforward and courageous, Agent of Change artfully unravels our deepest misconceptions about belonging in our country – and our world.” Erica Lenti, deputy editor, features, at Chatelaine
£26.59
Yale University Press A Schoolmasters War Harry ReeA British Agent in
Book SynopsisThe wartime adventures of the legendary SOE agent Harry Rée, told in his own wordsTrade Review“In a book devoted to heroism in its true, self-effacing form, that modesty seems entirely appropriate, and is a tribute both to Ree and to the son who put it together.”—Andrew Holgate, The Sunday Times “The way in which ordinary people are tested by extraordinary times is vividly illuminated in this first-person account.”—History Revealed “[A] striking memoir”—William Boyd, New Statesman “[T]his important collection of memoirs, letters and broadcasts…touches on tragedy and treachery with great sensitivity and reveals a quiet heroism.”—Victoria Marston, Country Life "[A] fantastic read"—Paul Ross, Talksport “[A] poignant account of friendship in times of difficulty, betrayal, selflessness and bravery”—Helen Tovey & Rachel Bellerby, Family Tree Magazine “Harry Rée, teacher, pacifist, defender of liberty, was a great man, dear to his family and friends, a hugely respected educationist, and a quiet hero. This important book is long overdue. Read it and be inspired by a life well and bravely lived.”—Michael Morpurgo “This is the real thing. As an account The Schoolmaster’s War scores highly in terms of detail and reliability. It lacks any sense of myth making, concealment or boasting — qualities quite common in many SOE memoirs.”—Sebastian Faulks ‘‘A fascinating story, not just of spectacular shootouts, parachute drops, and derring-do but of day to day living behind the lines as an Englishman who had literally dropped out of the sky. Harry Rée does not duck away from the harsh reality of the war and the personal tragedy of many of the French people he worked with - those who befriended him, fed him, sheltered him, risked death, arrest and torture for him.… Possibly one of the last of these stories of the like we will never see again.”— Keggie Carew, author of Dadland “A beautiful collection of writings by schoolmaster-turned-secret agent Harry Rée … Memoirs, postwar broadcasts and letters from French comrades combine to paint a picture of everyday heroism, treachery and tragedy.”—Robert Gildea, author of Fighters in the Shadows: A New History of the French Resistance “Terrific in the detail and the authenticity, the humanity and the immediacy. The fear and dread mixed with the holiday spirit is remarkable.”—Nick Rankin, author of Churchill’s Wizards
£11.99
Gill CodeBreaker
Book SynopsisThe incredible true story of the librarian, the Nazi spy and Ireland's secret role in turning the tide of World War IIWhen unassuming librarian Richard Hayes, a gifted polymath and cryptographer, was drafted by Irish intelligence services to track the movements of a prolific Nazi spy, Hermann Görtz, Dublin became the unlikely venue for one of the most thrilling episodes in Irish history.In a complex game of cat-and-mouse that would wind its way through the city and its suburbs, Code Breaker reveals how Richard Hayes cracked a code that helped turn the tide of World War II, and uncovers a secret history of the capital that has remained hidden in plain view for the past 70 years.
£16.19
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Unearthing Churchills Secret Army
Book SynopsisA list of all the officially recognised SOE casualties has not been produced before. The information uncovered by the authors has never been brought together in a single publication.
£14.39
Amberley Publishing Winston Churchills Toyshop
Book SynopsisThe story of Churchill's personal weapons development department, staffed by ingenious boffins, who developed numerous innovative weapons that helped win the war.Trade ReviewA hilarious book and certain to amuse even those whose interest in weapons of war is minimal' * THE TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT *A small piece of secret history' * THE YORKSHIRE POST *
£11.69
SAGE Publications Inc Leading Intelligence Analysis: Lessons from the
Book Synopsis"Bruce Pease has written a much needed book on a long ignored topic: how does one lead analysts? Most analysis is at some level a group activity, whether in government or the private sector. Much has been written about good versus bad analysis and how to train analysts, but Pease, himself a veteran senior CIA analyst and manager, focuses on what the leaders of these analysts need to know and should be thinking about. Leadership matters in analysis as in all other endeavors, and Pease offers invaluable guidance on how to lead effectively. This book is a must for anyone in a leadership role in an analytic enterprise." —Mark M. Lowenthal, PhD, Intelligence & Security Academy, LLC Written by an experienced professional who has led Navy Intelligence and CIA analysts in high-stakes situations, Leading Intelligence Analysis introduces the fundamental managerial skills and practical tools needed to lead analysis projects conducted by individuals and teams. Author Bruce Pease provides insights into key questions such as What kind of environment draws out a team’s best work? What brings out their creativity? When does pressure bring out their best insights? When does pressure sap their intellectual energy? and What kind of team builds new knowledge rather than engaging in group-think? This book draws on the author’s perspective from decades of leading intelligence analysts on critical issues, including war in the Middle East, terrorism after 9/11, and nuclear threats. Key Features Practical advice helps leaders of analytic units nurture insight with the understanding that it can be enabled but not manufactured. Discussion of a range of different types of analysis serves leaders conducting research in areas including data analysis, security analysis, geopolitical analysis, threat warning, counterterrorism, and business climate analysis. Practical advice on judging IT tools guides leaders to the correct data science approach for various situations. Trade Review"Bruce Pease has written a much needed book on a long ignored topic: how does one lead analysts? Most analysis is, at some level a group activity, whether in government or the private sector. Much has been written about good vs. bad analysis and how to train analysts, but Pease, himself a veteran senior CIA analyst and manger, focuses on what the managers and leaders of these analysts need to know and should be thinking about. Leadership matters in analysis as in all other endeavors and Pease offers invaluable guidance on how best to do this. This book is a must for anyone in a leadership role in an analytic enterprise." -- Mark M. Lowenthal, PhD."While Director of CIA, I sometimes described the analytic workforce there as resembling a tenured college faculty as I worked to preserve the excellence and independence of thought so essential to success (in either body) while harnessing those energies to a common, disciplined enterprise. Bruce Pease was my guide and counselor for that effort and now Bruce has captured his advice and wisdom in Leading Intelligence Analysis, a must read for any senior in or out of government who leads—or depends on—analysis." -- Michael V. Hayden"A very thoughtful book by a very thoughtful and respected professional. But this book goes way beyond thoughtful. It is exciting — the topics are hard to resist. And it is practical, putting powerful ideas into context. The lessons carry beyond intelligence analysis — they hit home for corporate leaders struggling to make forecasts despite ambiguity, complexity and deception." -- Gary Klein, Ph.D."Bruce Pease is one of the finest leaders and analysts to ever serve at the Central Intelligence Agency. Few had his ability to cut through complicated issues and provide senior leaders with wisdom. No matter what business you are in, Bruce brings clarity and balance to help get the most out of your forecasters, inundated with data in this digital age. The results will be game changing." -- George TenetTable of ContentsForeword Acknowledgments About the Author Chapter 1: Leading Analysis is Different from Doing Analysis The Leader of Analysis or the Uberanalyst Which Substantive Analyst Responsibilities Carry Over? No Lazy Thinking Setting Standards for the First Time Analyze Everything Chapter 2: Understanding Analysts Some Classic Traps Ten Things Analysts Hate Chapter 3: Shaping the Environment Nurturing Trust is Job 1 Taking the Pulse Seven Critical Balances Stress in the Environment Chapter 4: Choosing the Best Approach and Techniques Evolving Approaches: Three Paradigms Picking your paradigm Blending Approaches The Expanding Menu of Analytic Techniques Keep Your Eye Out for New Choices Chapter 5: Nurturing the New Idea: Creativity, Insight, and Innovation in Analysis Creative Analysis? Stifling Creativity and Innovation in Analysis And What of Insight? Promoting Creativity, Innovation, and Insight Chapter 6: Asking the Right Question Toxic Questioning The Right Question The Wrong Question Chapter 7: The Hardest Question: What Is Going to Happen? Prediction and Warning in Analysis Analyzing Predictability When History Pivots Humility, an Open Mind, and Practice Required Prediction is Always a Gamble Prediction is the Leader’s Responsibility What’s the Worst that Could Happen? Leading Warning What Is Reasonable in an Unreasonable World? Chapter 8: Ethics in Analysis What am I doing in this business? Leading a Dialogue on Values Climbing Down off the Analyst’s High Horse Driving Collection Resisting Politicization Are We Responsible for Consequences? Impact of Covert Action In Closing Chapter 9: Analysis as a Business The Business Part of the Business Ensuring Brand Loyalty (Getting Your Customers Hooked on Your Service) Prioritize Your Customers Tend Your Organization’s Reputation with the Front Office Align Your Enterprise Business Is Too Good—I’m Swamped! Change is Reality It Doesn’t Take an MBA Chapter 10: The Tools of Twenty-First-Century Analysis Judging Tools For Analysis First- and Second-Level IT Tools to Help All Analysts Third-level Tools: Big Data, Data Science, and Predictive Analytics Two Keys: Volume and Repetition The Dreaded—but Inevitable—Black Box The Analyst Is Not About to be Replaced Chapter 11: Analysis at the Speed of Information Get Your Mind Right and Theirs Build an Information Strategy Can we analyze faster? Nurture Your Inner Opportunist Afterword Bibliography Index
£57.75
