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The Anatomy of a Spy

A History of Espionage and Betrayal

Michael Smith

This study explores why a spy will risk imprisonment or even death to become a double agent. Each chapter focuses on a specific motive, from political conviction, blackmail or money to adventure, fantasy or revenge. It also uncovers recent cases, including a spy within ISIS, Trump’s links with Russia and Edward Snowden’s role as a whistle-blower.

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Product information:
  • Publisher: History Press
  • Year: 2019
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 320pp
  • Illustrated: No
  • Dimensions: 197x129mm
  • ISBN: 9780750992572
  • Condition: New
  • Weight: 0.4kg
Product code:
517398
Product information
Full publisher description
IN this compelling investigation, author Michael Smith explores the critical moment in a spy's life: that split-second decision to embrace a double life; to cheat and hide and hurt; to risk disgrace - even death - without any guarantee of being rewarded or even recognised. Each chapter centres on a number of different spies, following the path they took that led, finally, to the point of no return. Were they propelled by personal convictions?
Blackmailed and left without a choice? Too desperate for money to think about the consequences? Through in-depth insider knowledge, Michael Smith also uncovers new and unknown cases, including a spy inside ISIS, President Trump's links with Russia and Edward Snowden's role as a whistle-blower, to offer compelling psychological portraits of these men and women, homing unerringly on the fault-lines and shady corners of their characters, their weaknesses and their strengths, the lies they tell other people, and the lies they always end up telling themselves.
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