Book description
'Sensationally good ... A riveting story, the real-life spooks and spies far more compelling than anything you will see on the screen ... history doesn't come more fascinating than this' Evening Standard
For over 100 years, the agents of MI5 have defended Britain against enemy subversion. Their work has remainedā¦
Why read it?
1 author picked The Defence of the Realm as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I loved this book because it represents an extremely enjoyable and thorough account of the work of Secret Intelligence.
One noteworthy aspect of this book is the troubling awareness it brings that what the work involves is, in the main, unknown and goes largely unrecognised.
Another very salient truth that emerges (from this volume) is that the work is thoroughly international in nature. For me, the author also demonstrates in adept fashion that the question of how the peacetime accountability of the work of MI5 is to be assured is a multi-dimensional and deeply political one.
A stunning read!
From John's list on historical books with hitherto untold stories of courage and hope.
If you love The Defence of the Realm...
The Arab Bureau
During the First World War, an extraordinary intelligence unit operated from Cairo's Savoy Hotel, combining archaeologists, academics, and soldiers to revolutionize British intelligence in the Middle East.Ā Overshadowed by Lawrence of Arabia, the Arab Bureau's significance has remained hidden ever since.
This study uncovers the Bureau's story through newly discoveredā¦
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