Customer Reviews

Whole Spy Catalog: A Resource Encyclopedia for Researchers, PI's, Spies, and Generally Nosy People

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

 

 

An articulate, at times irreverent but always fascinating look into the world of spies, gadgets, and gizmos. Mr. Lapin offers, in plain, friendly language, a straightforward look into the many aspects of spying, from bugs to people. He includes numerous sources to find more information, enough to make the reader's head whirl. Who KNEW there was this much information available and how to get it? Mr. Lapin, that's who, and he wanted everyone to be able to know about it. He even mentions material that is not open to the general public, but the point is, we now know it exists. "A Resource Encyclopedia for Researchers, PIs, Spies, and Generally Nosy People," is the subheading and the book more than lives up to it.

This book is full of information for those interested in spying, PI'ing and privacy issue buffs. Unfortunately, some if not most, of it's information is over eight years old and in dire need of an update.
The public information gathering section still has relevence. And it is written in a tongue in cheek manner which I enjoyed. There are also quite a few typographical errors in this edition which lend a bit of humor themselves.

Definitely out of date
Published in 1995
Ten pages on the internet today is useless.
Almost all the equipment is out of date.
Did get a couple of usefull ideas thus the 2 star rating

The advent of widespread digital devices has rendered much of the information here obsolete. Needs a new revision.

After reading this book, I have no doubt Lee Lapin has the drop on the information gathering business. For those in the business, it is a well rounded guide for data access and equipment useage in conducting investigations. For the novice, it provides great insight and a useful tool for individuals doing their own investigations. A fun to read book cover to cover. I was very pleased with A1 books who sold the used book through the marketplace. The book was in great shape for used and looked brand new!