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The Ultimate Spy Book [Hardcover]

H. Keith Melton (Author), William Colby (Foreword), Oleg Kalugin (Foreword)
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)


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Book Description

April 1, 1996
The insider's guide to the secret world of espionage.

An inconspicuous figure in a raincoat... border crossings at midnight... living under constant threat of betrayal and torture. Are these images from the movies -- or reality? Secretive and shadowy, the world of the spy is one that only a privileged few have understood. Now The Ultimate Spy Book gives you a unique opportunity to enter that world. Keith Melton, an adviser to United Stated intelligence agencies, reveals some of the best-kept secrets of espionage.

Famous Spying Operations. Stranger than fiction, the true history of spying includes colorful characters, tales of intrigue, and exciting exploits. From the Civil War to both world wars and into the Cold War, The Ultimate Spy Book reveals what really happens in some of the most daring spying operations in history.

Spy Equipment and Techniques. Keith Melton has amassed a dazzling collection of spy devices, many never before seen by those outside the world's elite spying agencies. Cameras that look like a pack of cigarettes are just the beginning: this book reveals listening devices, suitcase radios, hidden messages, microdots, assassination devices, and concealed weapons -- everything the well-equipped spy could ever need.

How to be a spy. Discover the combination of quick wits and nerves of steel that makes a good spy. Learn about how spies are chosen and recruited, the training they receive, and the tricks of the trade. All the risks are revealed -- and all the rewards. For anyone who loves a good spy story -- or wants a glimpse into the world behind today's headlines -- The Ultimate Spy Book uncovers the clandestine activities that oil the wheels of international relations.



Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Historian H. Keith Melton is a specialist in 20th-century espionage; he's also quite a fan of espionage gadgetry. Both interests make strong showings in this heavily illustrated glimpse into the shadowy world of modern spying. Melton examines the role of clandestine intelligence in revolutionary Russia and Nazi Germany, analyzes modern spy rings, and profiles a number of important figures in the demimonde of spooks, among them British code breaker Alan Turing and Yugoslav double agent Dusan Popov. He also showcases some astonishing hardware, ranging from suitcase radios to shirt button microphones and mechanical pencil pistols. Former CIA director William Colby and former KGB general Oleg Kalugin, who recruited the American traitor John Walker, contribute forewords.

From School Library Journal

YA?A wealth of information about the practice of spying, illustrated with a variety of well-captioned photographs, reproductions, charts, and sketches. The introduction puts forth the motivation for spying to be contained in the acronym MICE?money, ideology, compromise, and ego. There is a breakdown of the types of spies?couriers, double agents, defectors, saboteurs, moles, and more. Illustrations of their hidden devices and tools are also included. The sections on equipment and technique, clandestine communications, and weapons are fascinating. Here the sketches and photos are most compelling. A final chapter instructs on "How To Be a Spy" and includes training and recruitment, covers, and networks.?Frances Reiher, Fairfax Public Library System, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 176 pages
  • Publisher: Dorling Kindersley (April 1, 1996)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0789404435
  • ISBN-13: 978-0789404435
  • Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.2 x 0.6 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #620,441 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

27 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.8 out of 5 stars (27 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars This is an extraordinary account of espionage!, July 1, 1997
By A Customer
This review is from: The Ultimate Spy Book (Hardcover)
I would like to consider myself an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction pertaining to the world of espionage. In light of this, I, having read many, many books on the topic, would have to rate this as quite possibly the best. Though many other books have been written in an "encyclopedia" form concerning the Intelligence community and spying, THE ULTIMATE SPY BOOK is very concise, informative, and generally provided me with what I was looking for. Kudos to H. Keith Melton on a superb book.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars If you had this book 30 years ago... they would kill you., June 12, 1999
This review is from: The Ultimate Spy Book (Hardcover)
Very well researched and organized. Technically accurate. Just the right mix of history, technology, and crisp photography to give you that "you are there" feeling.

Many of the items Mr. Melton shares are so rare that one would never have the chance to see them (or even know of them) were it not for this book. The "fine wire kit" is one example of this.

The Ultimate Spy Book is not just for espionage groupies either. Ages 8 to 80+ everyone will find it fascinating.

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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING!, December 11, 2000
A Kid's Review
This review is from: The Ultimate Spy Book (Hardcover)
H. Keith Melton's account is amazing! Explains how they recruit spy, the types of undercover agents,famous spying operations,the gear, and a section on training. The gear is amazing, and half of it requires a permit. Silenced weapons, gas guns and all kinds of bugs ( listening devices). Recommended for anyone with the slightest intrest in special operations. Has 2 high-profile forwards, by a former CIA head and a former KGB head.
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