Eyewitness: Spy (Eyewitness Books) [Library Binding]

Richard Platt (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: DK Eyewitness Books

Featuring an extra-sturdy library binding!

Everybody knows that spies wear white dinner jackets, drive sports cars, like their drinks shaken not stirred, and carry electric saws disguised as watches. Or do they? Certainly, some real spies are sophisticated members of the diplomatic service, but most are ordinary people from all walks of life. Spy is a journey through the history of espionage, from biblical spies who helped bring down the walls of Jericho to today's technological intrusions on the internet. Real-life spying equipment and gadgets are as amazing as those designed by Q for James Bond. Eyewitness Spy shows how, after the Cold War, and despite the new spirit of international cooperation, there is still a place for the spy in the modern world. Written by Richard Platt, author of the best-selling Cross-sections! Man-of-War and Eyewitness Pirate, Spy is a unique introduction to the dangerous lives of those who exist in the shadowy world of espionage.

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Library Binding: 64 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN; 1st edition (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789466163
• ISBN-13: 978-0789466167
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,401,479 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 Great book for older kids and even adults, January 24, 2012

By 

amazonshopper - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

I got this book for my son for Christmas. Christmas Eve, before I wrapped it, I sat down and read most of it...it was so interesting! My seven year old loves it, but he's an above average reader. I found my husband reading it the other day, saying, "hey, did you know that..." All the Eyewitness books are great, this one is no exception!

8 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best spy book its got cool gadgets and thats what counts, February 10, 1997

By A Customer

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

This was a excellent book and I would like to see more good stuff like this