Customer Reviews

Ultimate Spy (expanded)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book was given to me as a Christmas gift this past year. As a writer of Spy Fiction ("The Malagasy Tortoise"), this book has given me a wonderful and exacting insight to the many gizmos and gadgets being used in the field of spying. From weapons to decoding devices "The Ultimate Spy" has it all. I recommend this book to anyone interested in anything clandestine or who is looking to expand their knowledge of the CIA, the FBI or the private sector of spying. This book is loaded with excellent photos of spy personalities, guns, secret hiding spots, good guys and bad guys -- everything is in here to make yourself a fantastic investigation. An exceptional book, one that I now keep right next to my computer.

This book--by a real expert in the field--has a unique combination of pictures, words, and topics. It is magnificently illustrated, making it easier to understand a complex subject. The text is accurate and informative, but not too wordy, and the reader can skip around to whichever topics interest him or her the most. The topics covered in this book range from the basics of espionage to the history of spying to examples of spy gear used over the last several decades to the latest in spy technology. This book will interest both those with little background in the world of spying and those who have already studied it a great deal. The collection of illustrations in this book is definitely the best available anywhere.

This book is filled with excellent photos with great descriptions. The best historical book on spy hardware that I have ever seen. It does need to be re-proof read though... I noticed at least 3 spots where the text just ends in mid sentence which seemed really odd for a book of this caliber. It's just a minor irritation but otherwise it's a 5 star book.

I was given this book as a gift and think the photographs in it are absolutely great! The text that accompanies all the photos is interesting, but I've noticed more than just a few spots in the book where the captions to the photos stops in mid-sentence. I still love the book and if those captions were complete; it would rate 5 stars.

An excellent compendium of espionage gadgets up to and including the cold war. Many from the World War II era. Some history describing the more prominant practioners. Current gadgets as modified by current miniature electronics are not gone into as most of them are still classified. Excellent pictures and some proofreading goofs (none that serious).

The world of spying is fascinating. TV watchers of all ages, history buffs through time, and hallowe'en dressers have asked the questions....what do spies use? Where do the gadgets come from? What is the OSS? CSIS? CIA? MI-6?

This book answers many unasked questions as well. The history of spying is complex, and as long as mankind has divided ourselves by politics, we have had spies. This book examines the origins of the various agencies, tools through the ages, and even gives case studies right up November 2008.

It is remarkable in its' scope, and the photos that accompany the text (as well as the text) are sparkling. I truly found this an absorbing experience in techo research that I look forward to finishing.

Tim Lasiuta

Comprehensive book of the history of spying with tons of pictures and details about it! You'll learn things you never knew!

This book has more pictures than text. It basically is a photo album of some spying equipment, this equipment is mostly pre cold war. It has very short description with the pictures, that are at times not even accurate or that miss crucial information. This a great book for the average eight year old, as it will surely appeal to their fantasy..............

100% recomend to learn about spy history