Spy Book: The Encyclopedia of Espionage - Softcover

Polmar, Norman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0375702490 ISBN 13: 9780375702495

Publisher: Random House Reference, 1998

Synopsis

From the earliest use of the word "spy" to the latest revelations in the Aldrich Ames case and the post-Cold War reorganization of Russian intelligence apparatus, Spy Book is the most comprehensive single reference to the underground world of spies, coded messages and intrigue.

Contains over 2,000 alphabetical entries on the real and fictional people, agencies, operations, tradecraft and tools that make up the clandestine world of espionage.

Illustrated with over 70 photographs and drawings of famous spies, codes, hardware and more

Based on previously unavailable archives, including the recently opened KGB files

About this title

Review:

Norman Polmar and Thomas Allen describe espionage as the world's second-oldest profession, right behind prostitution. They say the two trades share much of the same allure: "Money, secrecy, sex, great public interest, and people's reputations--or lack thereof--are involved in both professions." Spies are probably the objects of greater curiosity, given their proximity to the corridors of power. And now Polmar and Allen have come up with a compendium that informs on the informers, from "A-2" (the intelligence staff of the U.S. Army Air Corps) to "Zelle, Margaretha" (Mata Hari's real name). More than 2,000 entries deliver the scoop on agencies, operations, jargon, technology, and even such fictional figures as James Bond.

From the Back Cover:

"The definitive Spy vs. Spy."
Time

About this edition

• Publisher: Random House Reference
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0375702490
• ISBN 13: 9780375702495
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 672