Description

Book Synopsis

A vastly entertaining and unique history of the interaction between spying and showbiz, from the Elizabethan age to the Cold War and beyond.

'A treasure trove of human ingenuity' The Times

Written by two experts in their fields, Stars and Spies is the first history of the extraordinary connections between the intelligence services and show business.

We travel back to the golden age of theatre and intelligence in the reign of Elizabeth I. We meet the writers, actors and entertainers drawn into espionage in the Restoration, the Ancien Régime and Civil War America. And we witness the entry of spying into mainstream popular culture throughout the twentieth century and beyond - from the adventures of James Bond to the thrillers of John le Carré and long-running TV series such as The Americans.

'Thoroughly entertaining' Spectator

'Perfect...read as you settle into James Bond on Christmas afternoon.' Daily Telegraph



Trade Review
A treasure trove of human ingenuity, and testament to our need to tell and believe stories, it deserves a front-row seat at any budding Bond's bedside -- James Owen * The Times *
Andrew and Green have carried out a huge amount of impeccable research, which they relay with infectious gusto... I found it extremely difficult to put this book down -- Jake Kerridge * Daily Telegraph *
Anyone who loves a good spy story will find and enjoy hundreds of them here * Economist *
[An] enjoyable and well-informed survey...stars and spies will forever be inextricably linked -- Alan Judd * Oldie *
Perfect...read as you settle into James Bond on Christmas afternoon. -- Simon Heffer * Daily Telegraph, *Books of the Year* *

Stars and Spies: The Astonishing History of

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    £10.44

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    RRP £10.99 – you save £0.55 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Mon 22 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Christopher Andrew, Julius Green

    2 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Stars and Spies: The Astonishing History of by Christopher Andrew

      Publisher: Vintage Publishing
      Publication Date: 13/10/2022
      ISBN13: 9781784708719, 978-1784708719
      ISBN10: 1784708712

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      A vastly entertaining and unique history of the interaction between spying and showbiz, from the Elizabethan age to the Cold War and beyond.

      'A treasure trove of human ingenuity' The Times

      Written by two experts in their fields, Stars and Spies is the first history of the extraordinary connections between the intelligence services and show business.

      We travel back to the golden age of theatre and intelligence in the reign of Elizabeth I. We meet the writers, actors and entertainers drawn into espionage in the Restoration, the Ancien Régime and Civil War America. And we witness the entry of spying into mainstream popular culture throughout the twentieth century and beyond - from the adventures of James Bond to the thrillers of John le Carré and long-running TV series such as The Americans.

      'Thoroughly entertaining' Spectator

      'Perfect...read as you settle into James Bond on Christmas afternoon.' Daily Telegraph



      Trade Review
      A treasure trove of human ingenuity, and testament to our need to tell and believe stories, it deserves a front-row seat at any budding Bond's bedside -- James Owen * The Times *
      Andrew and Green have carried out a huge amount of impeccable research, which they relay with infectious gusto... I found it extremely difficult to put this book down -- Jake Kerridge * Daily Telegraph *
      Anyone who loves a good spy story will find and enjoy hundreds of them here * Economist *
      [An] enjoyable and well-informed survey...stars and spies will forever be inextricably linked -- Alan Judd * Oldie *
      Perfect...read as you settle into James Bond on Christmas afternoon. -- Simon Heffer * Daily Telegraph, *Books of the Year* *

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