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Spies: The Secret Agents Who Changed the Course of History
"Intriguing." —Booklist "Ernest Volkman brings his subjects into full life in their world of espionage. Spies is a substantial addition to the already rich collection of titles under his name." —Ray S. Cline, President National Intelligence Study Center "A consistently absorbing and informative introduction to key players in the espionage game." —Kirkus Reviews Acclaimed author Ernest Volkman strips away the myths and Hollywood hype to reveal the human drama behind "the world’s second oldest profession"—espionage. Spies is the startling true story of the men and women whose daring feats of subterfuge have, for better or worse, irrevocably altered the course of history.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
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About the author
Ernest Volkman
24 books8 followersErnest Wyman Volkman was an American author, investigative reporter, and journalist who wrote about war, espionage, and the criminal underworld. Volkman was a 1959 graduate of Walt Whitman High School in South Huntington, New York, and attended Hofstra University.
A U.S. Army veteran, Volkman was also a military intelligence specialist and wrote many books on the subjects of spies and spying.
A U.S. Army veteran, Volkman was also a military intelligence specialist and wrote many books on the subjects of spies and spying.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 16, 2017
This book consists of short biographies of major American and European spies of the twentieth century and served mostly as a refresher.
June 22, 2017
Interesting book, although I'm not sure all his facts are right
He said Canaris had info about heydrich being 1/4 jew,
but later says his dossiers on Heydrich were never found,
so where did the info come from.
He gives credit for the chinese building the a-bomb to a chinese,
but the story I've read elsewhere is that the first thing Klaus Fuchs did after
getting out of prison, was to go to the chinese embassy in east Germany
and give them the plans.
More likely I think, given that Fuchs was the one who gave that to the russians.
Most of the stories were too short
He said Canaris had info about heydrich being 1/4 jew,
but later says his dossiers on Heydrich were never found,
so where did the info come from.
He gives credit for the chinese building the a-bomb to a chinese,
but the story I've read elsewhere is that the first thing Klaus Fuchs did after
getting out of prison, was to go to the chinese embassy in east Germany
and give them the plans.
More likely I think, given that Fuchs was the one who gave that to the russians.
Most of the stories were too short
February 16, 2018
Well written stories of spies east and west, primarily through the two world wars. The subjects range from the well-known such as Kim Philby and Reinhard Heydrich to names you've never heard and complete amateurs like Ernest Hemingway, Graham Greene, and W. Somerset Maugham.
March 1, 2021
Interesting accounts of covert operations and spy campaigns. As with another of Volkman's books, I would've liked more details in some chapters but it was an interesting read nonetheless.
May 3, 2025
It was very informative and entertaining, but some stories didn’t really need to be included, and there are a significant number of details that seem superfluous. Either way, I really enjoyed it!
February 4, 2019
This is one of my top favorite espionage non-fiction books.
Anthony Blunt's decision to assist the KGB is particularly interesting. The author notes that "no official case could be brought against him", but does not explain the "why" of it.
I can explain it here: It's because by law to be considered an "active" agent you have to be an employee. Anthony Blunt was officially resigned. Therefore, he has the constitutional protection of a citizen and not that of an employee. Citizens have much more extensive rights than employees, because employees are held to oaths and waivers, and that they can be summoned at any time to be brought upon an inquiry of charges. As a citizen this cannot be done so easily. The law and defense was on his side.
Anthony Blunt's decision to assist the KGB is particularly interesting. The author notes that "no official case could be brought against him", but does not explain the "why" of it.
I can explain it here: It's because by law to be considered an "active" agent you have to be an employee. Anthony Blunt was officially resigned. Therefore, he has the constitutional protection of a citizen and not that of an employee. Citizens have much more extensive rights than employees, because employees are held to oaths and waivers, and that they can be summoned at any time to be brought upon an inquiry of charges. As a citizen this cannot be done so easily. The law and defense was on his side.
February 3, 2016
Includes biographies of major spies from many different countries. I enjoyed this book because it showed how smart some of these spies were, and were able to stay under the radar for so long, and then strike so fast. The book categorizes spies (like "Moles", or "Cryptographers") and gives a lengthy biography on each spy. It is amazing that the reporter that wrote this book was able to gather all the information on people that strove to be invisible! A fascinating read about the world of espionage.
October 22, 2020
Książka z 1996 roku. Tak więc informacje mogę być całkiem inne od tego, co znajdziemy w odtajnionych archiwach po tym czasie. Książka usiana jest wieloma ciekawostkami, np. Hemingway i jego misje, które miały na celu zatapiać U-booty. 41 szpiegów, którzy zmienili świat. Jedni byli zdrajcami, legendami, np. Mata Hari, pulchna Holenderka, która została wydana francuskiemu wywiadowi, poprzez swoją nauczycielkę, czyli Fraulein Doktor.
Książka jest raczej adresowana do osób, które interesują się tematyką wywiadowczą.
Książka jest raczej adresowana do osób, które interesują się tematyką wywiadowczą.
November 29, 2009
Pretty good combination of short tales about different spies, from the great (???) to the not so good (actualy downright evil), would have been nice if networks were illustarted a bit more widely, but worth getting if you want a quick guide to some of the movers and shakers of the espionage industry in the 20th century.
May 31, 2009
I've always loved books about spies. Not quite sure why, but I find it fascinating. This one was a quick read, broken up into different catagories of types of spies and their realavance to history. I learned some interesting things about spies and their places in history.
January 14, 2009
Short stories.
Read
March 4, 2011A group of people who put it all on the line.
January 17, 2025
Utterly spellbinding.
Read
January 30, 2009An iteresting view on the soviets spy system
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews