MI6 and the Machinery of Spying: Structure and Process in Britain's Secret Intelligence (Studies in Intelligence) [Paperback]

Philip Davies (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0714683639 | ISBN-13: 978-0714683638 | Publication Date: December 4, 2004

Philip H. J. Davies is one of a growing number of British academic scholars of intelligence, but the only academic to approach the subject in terms of political science rather than history. He wrote his PhD at the University of Reading on the topic 'Organisational Development of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service 1909-1979', and has published extensively on intelligence and defence issues. After completing his PhD he taught for a year and a half on the University of London external degree programme in Singapore before returning to the UK to lecture at the University of Reading for two years. He was formerly Associate Professor of International and Security Studies at the University of Malaya in Malaysia where he not only conducted his research but provided a range of training and consultancy services to the Malaysian intelligence and foreign services. He is now based at Brunel University, UK

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Philip Davies has written what is bound to become the standard account of how MI6 is organized and how that organization has evolved over time.'- Christie Davies, Political Studies Review

'A very thoroughly researched contribution to political studies based on confidential interviews with former SIS officers and archives.' - Christie Davies, Political Studies Review

 

 

About the Author

Philip H. J. Davies is one of a growing number of British academic scholars of intelligence, but the only academic to approach the subject in terms of political science rather than history. He wrote his PhD at the University of Reading on the topic 'Organisational Development of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service 1909-1979', and has published extensively on intelligence and defence issues. After completing his PhD he taught for a year and a half on the University of London external degree programme in Singapore before returning to the UK to lecture at the University of Reading for two years. He was formerly Associate Professor of International and Security Studies at the University of Malaya in Malaysia where he not only conducted his research but provided a range of training and consultancy services to the Malaysian intelligence and foreign services. He is now based at Brunel University, UK

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (December 4, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0714683639
• ISBN-13: 978-0714683638
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,981,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inside MI-6, April 13, 2005

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: MI6 and the Machinery of Spying: Structure and Process in Britain's Secret Intelligence (Studies in Intelligence) (Paperback)

Most of the common knowledge about the British Secret Intelligence Service aka MI-6 comes from revelations of things like the breaking of the Enigma codes during World War II. This book goes into much greater depth than these, not on specific incidents, but on the organization of MI-6 and how it has attempted to provide its customers (other Government agencies) with the information they need.

An organization like MI-6 or the CIA is going to evolve over time. And this book is broken down by time. These are:

Beginning to First World War, 1918
Inter War Years, 1919-39
World War II Years, 1939-45
Cold War, 1946-56
End of Cold War and After, 1956-95
And finally a chapter on the machinery.

There is also a few pages in the introduction comparing the British philosophy of intelligence with that of the American CIA. All in all, while based on open information, this is just about the most complete stucy of MI-6 ever made. It makes fascinating reading.

3 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Get back to ebook pricimg. Don't go loosing your Kimdle customer base., October 12, 2010

By 

R. Lorenzo - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: MI6 and the Machinery of Spying (Studies in Intelligence) (Kindle Edition)

No primtimg, distribution or delivery costs. Amazon, keep your pricing promise to your most loyal customers, the Kindle owners.
Whoever came up with the changes to the epricing policy is not concerned with the continued success of the Kindle philosophy.