Author:
Publisher: Dundurn
ISBN: 1550025058
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 434
Book Description
During World War II, training in the black arts of covert operation was vital preparation for the 'ungentlemanly warfare' waged by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) against Hitler's Germany and Tojo's Japan. Reproduced here is the most comprehensive training syllabus used at SOE's Special Training Schools (STSs) showing how agents learnt to wreak maximum destruction in occupied Europe and beyond. The training took place in country houses and other secluded locations ranging from the Highlands of Scotland to Singapore and Canada. An array of unconventional skills are covered - from burglary, close combat and silent killing through to propaganda, surveillance and disguise - giving insight into the workings of one of World War II's most intriguing organizations. Denis Rigden's introduction sets the documents in its historical context and includes stories of how these lessons were put into practice on actual wartime missions.
How to Be a Spy
How to Become a Spy
Author: Maxwell Knight
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781530323708
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 46
Book Description
Despite their very purpose of lying low and going unnoticed, the Spy has become quite a popular figure in our society. Thanks to big screen icons like James Bond and his peers, the life of a spy is coveted by many a starry-eyed child due to its glamorous, jet-setting, and fast-paced lifestyle. Make no mistake, however; the life of a covert agent isn't all fancy cocktail parties and swanky black outfits. Becoming a spy requires rigorous training and a lifetime of dedication. Only "the best of the best" get selected to go on high-stake missions overseas to gather information in service of their country. Even with their top-notch qualifications, spies rarely if ever get a glimpse of the fame and fortune depicted in movies. As the mere concept of a spy entails, their job is to be unseen and unheard. If being the unsung hero or the dark knight of your country appeals to you, then you are on the right path. Becoming a covert operative will be grueling work, no doubt, but with this guide's help, you might just be on your way to becoming one of the elite who serves justice in the shadows. And even if you decide this lifestyle isn't for you, at least you'll pick up a few spy skills that may come in handy some day. Let's get started!
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781530323708
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 46
Book Description
Despite their very purpose of lying low and going unnoticed, the Spy has become quite a popular figure in our society. Thanks to big screen icons like James Bond and his peers, the life of a spy is coveted by many a starry-eyed child due to its glamorous, jet-setting, and fast-paced lifestyle. Make no mistake, however; the life of a covert agent isn't all fancy cocktail parties and swanky black outfits. Becoming a spy requires rigorous training and a lifetime of dedication. Only "the best of the best" get selected to go on high-stake missions overseas to gather information in service of their country. Even with their top-notch qualifications, spies rarely if ever get a glimpse of the fame and fortune depicted in movies. As the mere concept of a spy entails, their job is to be unseen and unheard. If being the unsung hero or the dark knight of your country appeals to you, then you are on the right path. Becoming a covert operative will be grueling work, no doubt, but with this guide's help, you might just be on your way to becoming one of the elite who serves justice in the shadows. And even if you decide this lifestyle isn't for you, at least you'll pick up a few spy skills that may come in handy some day. Let's get started!
How I Became a Spy
Author: Deborah Hopkinson
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0399557067
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 274
Book Description
From the award-winning author of The Great Trouble comes a story of espionage, survival, and friendship during World War II. Bertie Bradshaw never set out to become a spy. He never imagined traipsing around war-torn London, solving ciphers, practicing surveillance, and searching for a traitor to the Allied forces. He certainly never expected that a strong-willed American girl named Eleanor would play Watson to his Holmes (or Holmes to his Watson, depending on who you ask). But when a young woman goes missing, leaving behind a coded notebook, Bertie is determined to solve the mystery. With the help of Eleanor and his friend David, a Jewish refugee--and, of course, his trusty pup, Little Roo--Bertie must decipher the notebook in time to stop a double agent from spilling the biggest secret of all to the Nazis. From the author of The Great Trouble, this suspenseful WWII adventure reminds us that times of war call for bravery, brains and teamwork from even the most unlikely heroes.
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0399557067
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 274
Book Description
From the award-winning author of The Great Trouble comes a story of espionage, survival, and friendship during World War II. Bertie Bradshaw never set out to become a spy. He never imagined traipsing around war-torn London, solving ciphers, practicing surveillance, and searching for a traitor to the Allied forces. He certainly never expected that a strong-willed American girl named Eleanor would play Watson to his Holmes (or Holmes to his Watson, depending on who you ask). But when a young woman goes missing, leaving behind a coded notebook, Bertie is determined to solve the mystery. With the help of Eleanor and his friend David, a Jewish refugee--and, of course, his trusty pup, Little Roo--Bertie must decipher the notebook in time to stop a double agent from spilling the biggest secret of all to the Nazis. From the author of The Great Trouble, this suspenseful WWII adventure reminds us that times of war call for bravery, brains and teamwork from even the most unlikely heroes.
The Real Spy's Guide to Becoming a Spy
Author: Peter Ernest
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
ISBN: 9780810983298
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
An official handbook for kids who dream of one day becoming a spy or working in the intelligence field. Have you ever wondered what spies really do: What kind of training is involved? Do you have to go to a special school or take a polygraph test? How do you live your 'cover'? How does your work life affect your relationships with your friends and family? Is there danger involved? This fun, fact-filled book answers all these questions and more while providing a brief timeline of the history of espionage, definitions of key terms, quizzes and exercises to see if you have the right spy stuff!
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
ISBN: 9780810983298
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
An official handbook for kids who dream of one day becoming a spy or working in the intelligence field. Have you ever wondered what spies really do: What kind of training is involved? Do you have to go to a special school or take a polygraph test? How do you live your 'cover'? How does your work life affect your relationships with your friends and family? Is there danger involved? This fun, fact-filled book answers all these questions and more while providing a brief timeline of the history of espionage, definitions of key terms, quizzes and exercises to see if you have the right spy stuff!
How to be an International Spy
Author: Lonely Planet
Publisher: Lonely Planet
ISBN: 1743609604
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 162
Book Description
There's no going back, Agent. Once you enter this book, your training will begin as you join the secret world of spies. You'll rise through the ranks from recruit to secret agent, learning a host of skills to put into covert operation immediately. Get the scoop on some of the biggest agencies in the world, discover the coolest gadgets out there, crack some fiendish codes and lots more. For aspiring spies aged 8 years and up. Great for on-the-road entertainment. Authors: Lonely Planet Kids About Lonely Planet Kids: From the world's leading travel publisher comes Lonely Planet Kids, a children's imprint that brings the world to life for young explorers everywhere. We're kick-starting the travel bug and showing kids just how amazing our planet is. Our mission is to inspire and delight curious kids, showing them the rich diversity of people, places and cultures that surrounds us. We pledge to share our enthusiasm and continual fascination for what it is that makes the world we live in the magnificent place it is. A big adventure awaits! Come explore. Award-winning children's titles from Lonely Planet include The Amazing World Atlas (Independent Publisher Award, Gold for Juvenile Multicultural Non-fiction, 2015), How to Be a Space Explorer (Independent Publisher Award, Silver for Juvenile Non-fiction, 2015), Not For Parents The Travel Book, Not For Parents Paris, Not For Parents London, Not For Parents New York City, and Not For Parents Rome (all Parent Tested Parent Approved winners, 2012). Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.
Publisher: Lonely Planet
ISBN: 1743609604
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 162
Book Description
There's no going back, Agent. Once you enter this book, your training will begin as you join the secret world of spies. You'll rise through the ranks from recruit to secret agent, learning a host of skills to put into covert operation immediately. Get the scoop on some of the biggest agencies in the world, discover the coolest gadgets out there, crack some fiendish codes and lots more. For aspiring spies aged 8 years and up. Great for on-the-road entertainment. Authors: Lonely Planet Kids About Lonely Planet Kids: From the world's leading travel publisher comes Lonely Planet Kids, a children's imprint that brings the world to life for young explorers everywhere. We're kick-starting the travel bug and showing kids just how amazing our planet is. Our mission is to inspire and delight curious kids, showing them the rich diversity of people, places and cultures that surrounds us. We pledge to share our enthusiasm and continual fascination for what it is that makes the world we live in the magnificent place it is. A big adventure awaits! Come explore. Award-winning children's titles from Lonely Planet include The Amazing World Atlas (Independent Publisher Award, Gold for Juvenile Multicultural Non-fiction, 2015), How to Be a Space Explorer (Independent Publisher Award, Silver for Juvenile Non-fiction, 2015), Not For Parents The Travel Book, Not For Parents Paris, Not For Parents London, Not For Parents New York City, and Not For Parents Rome (all Parent Tested Parent Approved winners, 2012). Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.
How to Be a Spy
Author: Allain Verdugo
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781976511660
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 50
Book Description
"To people who want learn spycraft, but don't know where to start, and don't want to work at the CIA" Interested in learning a little tradecraft are we? The skills necessary to conduct an intelligence operation, perhaps a little bit of surveillance and counter-surveillance? This book will help you to do that! Let this at-home spy course be your guide into the intricacies of this world. This is a boook written for civilians, so we'll keep it as less-technical as possible, while arming you with the things you would need to begin in this journey. This is an excellent introduction to the basics, or foundations of the craft. Contrary to popular belief, tradecraft is actually fairly simple and commonsense-- yet can be terribly technical too. At the core is getting what you want, or the effects and actions that you desire from specific targets by any means! Your limits will be the resources, time alloted, acceptable risks, manpower and their abilities and of course ethical considerations and other specs of your mission. In this book you'll learn about: Operative vs Spy HOW TO FIND A SPY? The Unassuming Spy The Traitor The Walk-In Spy The Bug The Enlistee The Doubled agent Reasons Why People Become Spies Using Force as Tool of Persuasion Trade resources to gain a recruit's trust The intelligence officer or operative could use the following strategies to stay sober: Security SECURITY MEASURES The Art of Memorization Securing the Stolen Information BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATION GAP BETWEEN THE CASE OFFICER AND THE SPY Less threatening situations Visible Contact Point of Exchange Courier Service Mail Service Encoding the Telephone Communications Cyphering your E- mail KEEPING THE CONTACT MINIMAL Safe Houses Emotions and Stress Management Mindful Meditation Affirmations Emotional Freedom and Self Development Techniques Pretexting Cover Identity Cover Story or Legend Backstop Foot Surveillance One-man Surveillance Two-man Surveillance Three-man Surveillance Automobile Surveillance One-vehicle surveillance AB Surveillance ABC Surveillance Leapfrog Technique Fixed Surveillance and much, much more! DOWNLOAD IT NOW! tags: spy vs spy shoes,spy vs spy poster,i spy books pdf,spy kids books,i spy books for sale,books and books cali,spy vs spy songs,amateur spy videos,spy vs spy bomb,spy vs spy cosplay,books god i love books,spy vs spy costume,spy dog books,spy vs spy xbox,alex spy kit,spy vs spy pc,spy x books,i spy board books,spy counter spy,spy vs spy albums,i spy books australia,spy vs. spy xbox,adult spy costume,books and books arsht,spy gear books,eye spy books,spy books for young adults,books like bob books,spy vs spy jr,best spy books for young adults,ad spy tool,i spy little books,spy books for teens,all spy knives,adwords spy tool,i spy books preschool,spy vs spy photos,all spy hats,teen spy books,list of i spy books,i spy books treasure hunt,app to spy on facebook,alex spy case,cold war spy books non fiction,spy vs spy logo,spy vs spy toys,i spy books for preschoolers,books and books jobs,audio spy bug,spy series books,teenage spy books,cold war spy books,i spy books for toddlers,where to buy i spy books,a spy story,app to spy on spouse,spy vs spy hq,books a million books,a spy pen,spy books for tweens,i spy books spooky night,white spy black spy
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781976511660
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 50
Book Description
"To people who want learn spycraft, but don't know where to start, and don't want to work at the CIA" Interested in learning a little tradecraft are we? The skills necessary to conduct an intelligence operation, perhaps a little bit of surveillance and counter-surveillance? This book will help you to do that! Let this at-home spy course be your guide into the intricacies of this world. This is a boook written for civilians, so we'll keep it as less-technical as possible, while arming you with the things you would need to begin in this journey. This is an excellent introduction to the basics, or foundations of the craft. Contrary to popular belief, tradecraft is actually fairly simple and commonsense-- yet can be terribly technical too. At the core is getting what you want, or the effects and actions that you desire from specific targets by any means! Your limits will be the resources, time alloted, acceptable risks, manpower and their abilities and of course ethical considerations and other specs of your mission. In this book you'll learn about: Operative vs Spy HOW TO FIND A SPY? The Unassuming Spy The Traitor The Walk-In Spy The Bug The Enlistee The Doubled agent Reasons Why People Become Spies Using Force as Tool of Persuasion Trade resources to gain a recruit's trust The intelligence officer or operative could use the following strategies to stay sober: Security SECURITY MEASURES The Art of Memorization Securing the Stolen Information BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATION GAP BETWEEN THE CASE OFFICER AND THE SPY Less threatening situations Visible Contact Point of Exchange Courier Service Mail Service Encoding the Telephone Communications Cyphering your E- mail KEEPING THE CONTACT MINIMAL Safe Houses Emotions and Stress Management Mindful Meditation Affirmations Emotional Freedom and Self Development Techniques Pretexting Cover Identity Cover Story or Legend Backstop Foot Surveillance One-man Surveillance Two-man Surveillance Three-man Surveillance Automobile Surveillance One-vehicle surveillance AB Surveillance ABC Surveillance Leapfrog Technique Fixed Surveillance and much, much more! DOWNLOAD IT NOW! tags: spy vs spy shoes,spy vs spy poster,i spy books pdf,spy kids books,i spy books for sale,books and books cali,spy vs spy songs,amateur spy videos,spy vs spy bomb,spy vs spy cosplay,books god i love books,spy vs spy costume,spy dog books,spy vs spy xbox,alex spy kit,spy vs spy pc,spy x books,i spy board books,spy counter spy,spy vs spy albums,i spy books australia,spy vs. spy xbox,adult spy costume,books and books arsht,spy gear books,eye spy books,spy books for young adults,books like bob books,spy vs spy jr,best spy books for young adults,ad spy tool,i spy little books,spy books for teens,all spy knives,adwords spy tool,i spy books preschool,spy vs spy photos,all spy hats,teen spy books,list of i spy books,i spy books treasure hunt,app to spy on facebook,alex spy case,cold war spy books non fiction,spy vs spy logo,spy vs spy toys,i spy books for preschoolers,books and books jobs,audio spy bug,spy series books,teenage spy books,cold war spy books,i spy books for toddlers,where to buy i spy books,a spy story,app to spy on spouse,spy vs spy hq,books a million books,a spy pen,spy books for tweens,i spy books spooky night,white spy black spy
License to Parent
Author: Christina Hillsberg
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0593191110
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
"If Mr. and Mrs. Smith had kids and wrote a parenting book, this is what you'd get: a practical guide for how to utilize key spy tactics to teach kids important life skills--from self-defense to effective communication to conflict resolution." --Working Mother Christina was a single, successful CIA analyst with a burgeoning career in espionage when she met fellow spy, Ryan, a hotshot field operative who turned her world upside down. They fell in love, married, and soon they were raising three children from his first marriage, and later, two more of their own. Christina knew right away that there was something special about the way Ryan was parenting his kids, although she had to admit their obsession with surviving end-of-world scenarios and their ability to do everything from archery to motorcycle riding initially gave her pause. More than that, Ryan's kids were much more security savvy than most adults she knew. She soon realized he was using his CIA training and field experience in his day-to-day child-rearing. And why shouldn't he? The CIA trains its employees to be equipped to deal with just about anything. Shouldn't parents strive to do the same for their kids? As Christina grew into her new role as a stepmom and later gave birth to their two children, she got on board with Ryan's unique parenting style--and even helped shape it using her own experiences at the CIA. Told through honest and relatable parenting anecdotes, Christina shares their distinctive approach to raising confident, security-conscious, resilient children, giving practical takeaways rooted in CIA tradecraft along the way. License to Parent aims to provide parents with the tools necessary to raise savvier, well-rounded kids who have the skills necessary to navigate through life.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0593191110
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
"If Mr. and Mrs. Smith had kids and wrote a parenting book, this is what you'd get: a practical guide for how to utilize key spy tactics to teach kids important life skills--from self-defense to effective communication to conflict resolution." --Working Mother Christina was a single, successful CIA analyst with a burgeoning career in espionage when she met fellow spy, Ryan, a hotshot field operative who turned her world upside down. They fell in love, married, and soon they were raising three children from his first marriage, and later, two more of their own. Christina knew right away that there was something special about the way Ryan was parenting his kids, although she had to admit their obsession with surviving end-of-world scenarios and their ability to do everything from archery to motorcycle riding initially gave her pause. More than that, Ryan's kids were much more security savvy than most adults she knew. She soon realized he was using his CIA training and field experience in his day-to-day child-rearing. And why shouldn't he? The CIA trains its employees to be equipped to deal with just about anything. Shouldn't parents strive to do the same for their kids? As Christina grew into her new role as a stepmom and later gave birth to their two children, she got on board with Ryan's unique parenting style--and even helped shape it using her own experiences at the CIA. Told through honest and relatable parenting anecdotes, Christina shares their distinctive approach to raising confident, security-conscious, resilient children, giving practical takeaways rooted in CIA tradecraft along the way. License to Parent aims to provide parents with the tools necessary to raise savvier, well-rounded kids who have the skills necessary to navigate through life.
A Kill in the Morning
Author: Graeme Shimmin
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 1448171636
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 386
Book Description
‘I don’t like killing, but I’m good at it. Murder isn’t so bad from a distance, just shapes popping up in my scope. Close-up work though – a garrotte around a target’s neck or a knife in their heart – it’s not for me. Too much empathy, that’s my problem. Usually. But not today. Today is different . . . ‘ The year is 1955 and something is very wrong with the world. It is fourteen years since Churchill died and the Second World War ended. In occupied Europe, Britain fights a cold war against a nuclear-armed Nazi Germany. In Berlin the Gestapo is on the trail of a beautiful young resistance fighter, and the head of the SS is plotting to dispose of an ailing Adolf Hitler and restart the war against Britain and her empire. Meanwhile, in a secret bunker hidden deep beneath the German countryside, scientists are experimenting with a force far beyond their understanding. Into this arena steps a nameless British assassin, on the run from a sinister cabal within his own government, and planning a private war against the Nazis. And now the fate of the world rests on a single kill in the morning . . .
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 1448171636
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 386
Book Description
‘I don’t like killing, but I’m good at it. Murder isn’t so bad from a distance, just shapes popping up in my scope. Close-up work though – a garrotte around a target’s neck or a knife in their heart – it’s not for me. Too much empathy, that’s my problem. Usually. But not today. Today is different . . . ‘ The year is 1955 and something is very wrong with the world. It is fourteen years since Churchill died and the Second World War ended. In occupied Europe, Britain fights a cold war against a nuclear-armed Nazi Germany. In Berlin the Gestapo is on the trail of a beautiful young resistance fighter, and the head of the SS is plotting to dispose of an ailing Adolf Hitler and restart the war against Britain and her empire. Meanwhile, in a secret bunker hidden deep beneath the German countryside, scientists are experimenting with a force far beyond their understanding. Into this arena steps a nameless British assassin, on the run from a sinister cabal within his own government, and planning a private war against the Nazis. And now the fate of the world rests on a single kill in the morning . . .
Work Like a Spy
Author: J. C. Carleson
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1591843537
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
“The book you are holding will fundamentally change the way you look at the collection, compartmentalization, analysis, distribution, application, and protection of intelligence in your business. J. C. Carleson’s presentation of years of spy tradecraft will make you a more effective force within your organization.” —James Childers, CEO, ASG Global, Inc. When J. C. Carleson left the corporate world to join the CIA, she expected an adventure, and she found it. Her assignments included work in Iraq as part of a weapons of mass destruction search team, travels throughout Afghanistan, and clandestine encounters with foreign agents around the globe. What she didn’t expect was that the skills she acquired from the CIA would be directly applicable to the private sector. It turns out that corporate America can learn a lot from spies—not only how to respond to crises but also how to achieve operational excellence. Carleson found that the CIA gave her an increased understanding of human nature, new techniques for eliciting information, and improved awareness of potential security problems, adding up to a powerful edge in business. Using real examples from her experiences, Carle-son explains how working like a spy can teach you the principles of: Targeting—figuring out who you need to know and how to get to them Elicitation—a subtle way to get the answers you need without even asking a question Counterintelligence—how to determine if your organization is unwittingly leaking information Screening—CIA recruiters’ methods for finding and hiring the right people The methods developed by the CIA are all about getting what you want from other people. In a business context, these techniques apply to seeking a new job, a promotion, a big sale, an advantageous regulatory ruling, and countless other situations. As Carleson writes, “In a world where information has a price, it pays to be vigilant.” Her book will show you how.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1591843537
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
“The book you are holding will fundamentally change the way you look at the collection, compartmentalization, analysis, distribution, application, and protection of intelligence in your business. J. C. Carleson’s presentation of years of spy tradecraft will make you a more effective force within your organization.” —James Childers, CEO, ASG Global, Inc. When J. C. Carleson left the corporate world to join the CIA, she expected an adventure, and she found it. Her assignments included work in Iraq as part of a weapons of mass destruction search team, travels throughout Afghanistan, and clandestine encounters with foreign agents around the globe. What she didn’t expect was that the skills she acquired from the CIA would be directly applicable to the private sector. It turns out that corporate America can learn a lot from spies—not only how to respond to crises but also how to achieve operational excellence. Carleson found that the CIA gave her an increased understanding of human nature, new techniques for eliciting information, and improved awareness of potential security problems, adding up to a powerful edge in business. Using real examples from her experiences, Carle-son explains how working like a spy can teach you the principles of: Targeting—figuring out who you need to know and how to get to them Elicitation—a subtle way to get the answers you need without even asking a question Counterintelligence—how to determine if your organization is unwittingly leaking information Screening—CIA recruiters’ methods for finding and hiring the right people The methods developed by the CIA are all about getting what you want from other people. In a business context, these techniques apply to seeking a new job, a promotion, a big sale, an advantageous regulatory ruling, and countless other situations. As Carleson writes, “In a world where information has a price, it pays to be vigilant.” Her book will show you how.
Ashenden
Author: W. Somerset Maugham
Publisher: Standard Ebooks
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 286
Book Description
During World War I W. Somerset Maugham, already by then an established playwright and author, was recruited to be a British intelligence agent. These stories reflect his wartime experiences in intelligence gathering. Though fictionalized, they managed to retain enough authentic elements for Winston Churchill to advise Maugham that their publication might be a violation of the Official Secrets Act, resulting in the author burning an additional 14 stories. Set in various locales across the continent, these remaining Ashenden stories are a precursor to the jet-setting spy novels of the 1950s and 1960s. Maugham is known as a master short story writer and these stories are no exception, combining wit and realism to create memorable characters in a unique and highly critical portrait of wartime espionage. Initially released to a mixed reception—with an early review by D. H. Lawrence being especially scathing—Ashenden has since been credited as an inspiration for numerous authors, including John Le Carré, Graham Greene, and Raymond Chandler. The latter in particular was especially impressed, writing in 1950, “There are no other great spy stories—none at all. I have been searching and I know.” This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.
Publisher: Standard Ebooks
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 286
Book Description
During World War I W. Somerset Maugham, already by then an established playwright and author, was recruited to be a British intelligence agent. These stories reflect his wartime experiences in intelligence gathering. Though fictionalized, they managed to retain enough authentic elements for Winston Churchill to advise Maugham that their publication might be a violation of the Official Secrets Act, resulting in the author burning an additional 14 stories. Set in various locales across the continent, these remaining Ashenden stories are a precursor to the jet-setting spy novels of the 1950s and 1960s. Maugham is known as a master short story writer and these stories are no exception, combining wit and realism to create memorable characters in a unique and highly critical portrait of wartime espionage. Initially released to a mixed reception—with an early review by D. H. Lawrence being especially scathing—Ashenden has since been credited as an inspiration for numerous authors, including John Le Carré, Graham Greene, and Raymond Chandler. The latter in particular was especially impressed, writing in 1950, “There are no other great spy stories—none at all. I have been searching and I know.” This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.