A Spy's London: A Walk Book of 136 Sites in Central London Relating to Spies, Spycatchers & Subversives from More Than a Century of London'Ssecret H [Paperback]

Roy Berkeley (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Combined Books; illustrated edition edition (April 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850521130
• ISBN-13: 978-0850521139
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,661,131 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Both an Outstanding Guide and pretty good history, June 7, 2000

By 

J. Collins (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Spy's London: A Walk Book of 136 Sites in Central London Relating to Spies, Spycatchers & Subversives from More Than a Century of London'Ssecret H (Paperback)

Mr Berkeley has accomplished what few guidebooks do well, in my opinion. That is to combine the sights with a narrative tying them together. Over 130 places are divided into short walking tours taking in most of London. The narrative itself is authoritative and, just as important in a book like this, entertaining. If you have an interest in Intelligence/Special Operations both during the World Wars and Cold War, and are looking for an unusual tour to do yourself,this is a book to consider. I probably ought to mention that it is unlike traditional guidebooks in another sense as well: there are few recommendations on eating-certainly none on lodging. But, another inexpensive guidebook should suffice to cover those areas. NB: Although published in 1997, I used the book July and November 1999 and all the sites I wanted to see are still there.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A captivating tour guide and history of the best known and lesser known spies of London., January 19, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: A Spy's London: A Walk Book of 136 Sites in Central London Relating to Spies, Spycatchers & Subversives from More Than a Century of London'Ssecret H (Paperback)

Not your every day tour guide to London, that's for sure. Roy Berkeley's meticulously researched book reads like a spy novel. But this is no work of fiction. The author takes you on a tour of of more than 130 places where some of the more notorious spies plied their craft. Non-descript flats were the home to the likes of double agents Kim Philby and Donald Maclean who betrayed their country. And while Baker Street will always be known as the home to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, a whole stretch of Baker Street during WWII was home to the British espionage and sabotage organization known as SOE (Special Operations Executive). Berkeley even touches on the home and workplace of the most famous spy writer in history Ian Fleming. Complete with photos and diagrams to get you around the espionage haunts of the city. A real gem! Bruce Edwards

4.0 out of 5 stars A Spy's London, February 9, 2012

By 

Jo R. Gilbert "Traveler" (Menlo Park CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Spy's London: A Walk Book of 136 Sites in Central London Relating to Spies, Spycatchers & Subversives from More Than a Century of London'Ssecret H (Paperback)

Almost ten years old, it's a fascinating insight into places and their history in the wild and wacky world of espionage. Obviously well researched and with photos of the sites, it's a wonderful read - if you are interested in that kid of thing. From places dear to the British to those known to the Americans, it overs WW1 & WW2 and beyond. I ran into it, interestingly, listed by former US Intell people. What more can I say!