M: MI5's First Spymaster (Revealing History) - Hardcover

Cook, Andrew

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0752428969 ISBN 13: 9780752428963

Publisher: Tempus, 2004

Synopsis

William Melville was one of the most influential counter-espionage figures of the 20th century. He was perfect for the job, a velvet-gloved hardman who had run Special Branch and whose career had already taken in some of London’s great crime dramas, including the Jack the Ripper investigations, Irish Republican terrorism, and assassination attempts on Queen Victoria and Edward VII. Now, with the help of recently declassified records, family material, and records that have still not officially seen the light of day, the story of his Secret Service career—including the breaking of German spy rings prior to the outbreak of the First World War—can finally be told.

About this title

From the Publisher

William Melville was one of the most influential counter–espionage figures of the twentieth century. From a tiny outfit based in Victoria Street in London, the counter–intelligence organisation that Melville created is today one of the world’s leading intelligence agencies. He was perfect for the job, a velvet–gloved hardman who had run Special Branch and whose career had already taken in some of London’s great crime dramas, including the Jack the Ripper investigations, Irish Republican terrorism and assassination attempts on Queen Victoria and Edward VII.

Now, with the help of recently declassified records, family material and records that have still not officially seen the light of day, the story of his Secret Service career—including the breaking of German spy rings prior to the outbreak of the First World War—can finally be told.

Andrew Cook worked for many years as a foreign affairs and defense specialist. He is the author of Ace of Spies: The True Story of Sidney Reilly, also published by Tempus. He is a regular contributor on espionage history to THE GUARDIAN, THE TIMES and HISTORY TODAY.

Review

“Compelling and authoritative.... M was the most elusive and fascinating figure in the British Secret Service” -- Lord Robertson, former Secretary–General of NATO

“For Bond fans and true-crime buffs, especially, a leisurely excursion into the early days of modern espionage.” -- Kirkus Reviews

“Melville, M’, developed his role into a fine art” -- Dame Stella Rimington, former Director–General of MI5

Edition details

• Publisher: Tempus
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0752428969
• ISBN 13: 9780752428963
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 336