Spy (Eyewitness Books(Trade)) [Hardcover]

Richard Platt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 9, 1996 | Age Level: 10 and up | Series: Eyewitness Books(Trade)

Photographed in full color. Go under cover to investigate the intriguing world of espionage. From spies of Genghis Khan to the real inspiration behind James Bond to the history and operations of secret service offices around the world, this volume reveals all the fascinating tools, disguises, and tricks of the trade.  

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8. In the format typical of this series, busy two-page chapters describe and illustrate the history, purpose, methods, and tools of spying from biblical times to the present. Military, industrial, and surveillance spying are also discussed. Fictional spies are featured in the last chapter. An attempt is made to explain how the Enigma cipher machine operated during World War II, but it is not satisfactory. In a section about cracking the Purple code, a caption states that Pearl Harbor was attacked at night, when it was actually 7:55 a.m. The full-color photos and reproductions add a great deal to the text. This book is by no means a necessary purchase, but readers will enjoy browsing through the world of stealth and espionage.?Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

...a mini museum between the covers of a book. [Eyewitness series] -- The New York Times

These books' striking visual impact will draw in even the most casual readers. [Eyewitness series] -- School Library Journal --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 60 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (September 9, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679881220
• ISBN-13: 978-0679881223
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,889,281 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Richard Platt has been writing for children since 1992. One of his books, Castle Diary, was shortlisted for the Kate Maschler Award, The Times Education Supplement award, and a History Today prize. His Pirate Diary won the Kate Greenaway Medal 2002, the Silver Smarties Award 2002, and won the 'Best Book With Facts' prize in the Blue Peter Book Awards 2003.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Disjointed, but kids will love it, February 7, 2006

By 

Lydia Joyce - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eyewitness: Spy (Eyewitness Books) (Library Binding)

For those who are new to the Eyewitness format, it consists of thematically arranged two-page spreads of brilliant photographs on a white background. There is an intro paragraph in the upper left-hand corner, but most of the text is in the captions that go with the photographs. Generally, the biological sciences titles are the strongest in this series, since other topics often need a more organized progression of topics. You'll get a lot of information out of these books, but you won't get a systematic anaylsis.

This is a decent addition to the series. The information is rather dated, and this entry particularly suffers from the bite-sized, disconnected spreads that are arranged thematically rather than progressively or chronologically. However, the spreads themselves have a very high "cool" factor and are interesting and are coherent within themselves. Though practical use is limited, any child who loves spies or James Bond will adore this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Great DK Book, February 26, 2012

By 

Rena (Soldotna, Alaska United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Spy (DK Eyewitness Books) (Hardcover)

Bought this for our school Library.It is a sturdy hardback with durable pages & excellent, colorful pages. The students line up to check this book out.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent non-fiction for children, February 23, 2012

By 

B. C. Nathan "OCC" (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Eyewitness: Spy (Hardcover)

The Eye Witness series of books are great non-fiction for children, combining great information with lots of relevant visual material. This book especially appealed to my son, who just loves spy gear.