Product Description

Failure to foresee and defend against recent US terrorist attacks has drawn unprecedented public attention to the intelligence services and modern-day global espionage. From the CIA's involvement in the Middle East and various aspects of European, Asian and African politics, to FBI agents releasing highly classified national security information to Russia, this compelling reference source contains over 500 entries covering every aspect of modern day espionage. With a foreword by James Bamford, bestselling author of Body of Secrets and a preface by former MI5 officer David Shayler, entries include: biographies of spies, politicians and diplomats; events - scandals, trials, scams, misinformation and counter-espionage schemes; spy organisations from around the world - from well-known organisations such as the KGB to the increasingly important, smaller, lesser-known groups; terminology explained (such as 'tradecraft' and 'honeytrap'); and the 'Q' factor - gadgets and espionage equipment. This is a timely, compelling and accessible work that is essential for journalists and researchers and will feed the appetite of the vast numbers of general readers wanting to know more about the hidden world of espionage, terrorism, spies and secrets.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2052536 in Books
• Published on: 2002-10-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

From Library Journal
Numerous references have already been published on espionage, and with the spectacular failure of American intelligence in September 2001, many more are sure to appear. This one includes over 500 entries on people, places, equipment, policies, and government organizations. Many of the entries have been written to incorporate events surrounding 9/11, and Bennett (Fighting Forces), a longtime contributor to defense publications, is not afraid to pen caustic opinions of the individuals and government policies connected to that fateful day. In fact, he seems to be thoroughly disgusted with many of the people, attitudes, and policies of the intelligence establishment. This reviewer liked the British flavor of Bennett's writing and the focus on British organizations and events, as one can easily find plenty of information on American topics in works such as Norman Polmar and Thomas B. Allen's Spy Book: The Encyclopedia of Espionage. Of greatest interest are the descriptions of British and foreign intelligence organizations and the biographical details of important individuals. Although there are See references, the book has no cross references, no suggested readings, no chronology, and a tiny bibliography. Suitable for the reference collections of public and academic libraries.
Daniel K. Blewett, Coll. of DuPage Lib., Glyn Eilyn, IL
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Richard M Bennett is a senior research associate with a company that supplies information on espionage and political risk to the news media and other clients.