What do you think?
Rate this book
Red Dusk and the Morrow: Adventures and Investigations in Soviet Russia
An extraordinary true life espionage classic and a fascinating document of the horror and excesses of early Soviet Russia. Paul Dukes was sent into Russia in 1918, shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution. His role was to keep British spy networks in place during the 'Red Terror'.
282 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1922
9 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 17, 2022
I'm putting this with THE OTHER BOOK I keep telling everyone, I know, to read: even the cover of this book gives me that same feeling of suspense.
Before, during, and after the revolution, Paul Henry Dukes was in Russia: the dust had not yet settled and the 'Red Terror' was all about him.
What was he doing? Working for MI6: a field operative, on dangerous assignments: he was building a network of sources and gathering information for the British Government (MI6).
But also:
'Smuggling potential victims of 'the terror' out of Russia along the courier (escape) lines'. Hard lessons (betrayal) taught them to segment the escape line, so that no one person knew of its entire route, or of all the players taking part (the need-to-know doctrine): now, where have I heard that before?
Mr Dukes was 'the man of a hundred faces' and able to pass himself off as Russian: his command of the language was such: now, where have I heard that before?
Half the country are hunting him. His name, and his face is everywhere. Relying on good, trusted, friends and at times 'the sticks' he escapes Russia: now, where have I heard that before?
So, ... everything one could ever wish to know is in this 'gem'. How the courier routes came to be and how the Soviet system came to be infiltrated by those who were prepared to endure the horror and work for a better future. Where have I heard that before?
I do hope you know where I'm going with this. There was so much upheaval during those years that I bet, with so many 'wanted' people disappearing (along the courier lines), 'after the thaw' no one ever stopped to ask, 'where are the bodies?'.
I knew it. I knew it. I knew it. That is the question that must be asked. I asked it. I asked it of Mr Carlyle: he replied, "Good Question."
It's my belief that Mr Dukes was undoubtedly a man not willing to shout of his exploits and more wanting to allow those laurels to rest with others: I get that same feeling from another author whose work I've read, in the recent past.
This is a must read for anyone at all interested in what is, still, (I'm convinced of it) 'going-on-under-the-radar' in that 'neck-of-the-woods'.
Before, during, and after the revolution, Paul Henry Dukes was in Russia: the dust had not yet settled and the 'Red Terror' was all about him.
What was he doing? Working for MI6: a field operative, on dangerous assignments: he was building a network of sources and gathering information for the British Government (MI6).
But also:
'Smuggling potential victims of 'the terror' out of Russia along the courier (escape) lines'. Hard lessons (betrayal) taught them to segment the escape line, so that no one person knew of its entire route, or of all the players taking part (the need-to-know doctrine): now, where have I heard that before?
Mr Dukes was 'the man of a hundred faces' and able to pass himself off as Russian: his command of the language was such: now, where have I heard that before?
Half the country are hunting him. His name, and his face is everywhere. Relying on good, trusted, friends and at times 'the sticks' he escapes Russia: now, where have I heard that before?
So, ... everything one could ever wish to know is in this 'gem'. How the courier routes came to be and how the Soviet system came to be infiltrated by those who were prepared to endure the horror and work for a better future. Where have I heard that before?
I do hope you know where I'm going with this. There was so much upheaval during those years that I bet, with so many 'wanted' people disappearing (along the courier lines), 'after the thaw' no one ever stopped to ask, 'where are the bodies?'.
I knew it. I knew it. I knew it. That is the question that must be asked. I asked it. I asked it of Mr Carlyle: he replied, "Good Question."
It's my belief that Mr Dukes was undoubtedly a man not willing to shout of his exploits and more wanting to allow those laurels to rest with others: I get that same feeling from another author whose work I've read, in the recent past.
This is a must read for anyone at all interested in what is, still, (I'm convinced of it) 'going-on-under-the-radar' in that 'neck-of-the-woods'.
December 21, 2022
The personal account of Sir Paul Dukes time in Russia, whilst adventuring (I always thought an adventure was a few hours of river-rafting on the weekend) and making investigations on behalf of the British government. Having looked and found the true definition of the word adventure, I must now accept my rafting experience was anything but.
Real-life spying, (investigations) with all the risks to life and the need to maintain steely-eyed nerve for months and months on end, knowing as each day dawns, the risks to you, your friends, your networks, sources and collaborators increases.
A truly remarkable story.
Real-life spying, (investigations) with all the risks to life and the need to maintain steely-eyed nerve for months and months on end, knowing as each day dawns, the risks to you, your friends, your networks, sources and collaborators increases.
A truly remarkable story.
December 9, 2022
Paul Dukes, ‘The Man of 100 Faces’, and none of this is fiction. I stayed up late every night with this. This is the fastest I’ve read a book. To think a man with no training in the art of ‘spying’ could achieve all he did and survive. ‘Bloomin-eck’, he was a musician, before MI-6 sent him a telex, recalled him to London and basically informed him of a career change.
You have to read this, he was, at one point, the most wanted man in Russia and he was still wandering the streets and going about his ‘spying’.
There is so much that you would otherwise, if you ever thought this might be fiction, be a touch sceptical over: the use of forged and genuine identifications, changes in attire, different types of spectacles, hats and facial appearance, and, the ability to stand in front of a security official and state your case, knowing the whole country is looking for you.
Paul Dukes ran courier lines, using White Army officers as his runners, to sneak his stolen information out of the country: the sneaky ways and methods they used are all in here. How he managed to stay one-step ahead of the secret police: bed hopping, hedge-hopping, grave-hopping.
What I found most interesting is the team of ‘trusted friends’ he relied upon to achieve all he was able.
How he managed to hide from his hunters and flee the country, with bundles of stolen info, is just incredible.
I am now an ‘espionage fan’ – and I’ve just joined the ‘Espionage Group’.
‘Operation Mincemeat’, then .... ‘Go Spy the Land’: I’m still in awe of Captain George Hill, then .... ‘Red Dusk and the Morrow’, which I praise as highly as G.S.t L.
Paul Dukes? I’ve seen his picture (it’s on the Net) – he’s a dish.
What’s next?
You have to read this, he was, at one point, the most wanted man in Russia and he was still wandering the streets and going about his ‘spying’.
There is so much that you would otherwise, if you ever thought this might be fiction, be a touch sceptical over: the use of forged and genuine identifications, changes in attire, different types of spectacles, hats and facial appearance, and, the ability to stand in front of a security official and state your case, knowing the whole country is looking for you.
Paul Dukes ran courier lines, using White Army officers as his runners, to sneak his stolen information out of the country: the sneaky ways and methods they used are all in here. How he managed to stay one-step ahead of the secret police: bed hopping, hedge-hopping, grave-hopping.
What I found most interesting is the team of ‘trusted friends’ he relied upon to achieve all he was able.
How he managed to hide from his hunters and flee the country, with bundles of stolen info, is just incredible.
I am now an ‘espionage fan’ – and I’ve just joined the ‘Espionage Group’.
‘Operation Mincemeat’, then .... ‘Go Spy the Land’: I’m still in awe of Captain George Hill, then .... ‘Red Dusk and the Morrow’, which I praise as highly as G.S.t L.
Paul Dukes? I’ve seen his picture (it’s on the Net) – he’s a dish.
What’s next?
December 20, 2022
I cannot add anymore than has already been written.
Sir Paul Dukes was a kind man; he cared about people. It leaves me in awe to think of what he took on without training or any real preparedness.
Sir Paul Dukes was an incredible human being.
Sir Paul Dukes was a kind man; he cared about people. It leaves me in awe to think of what he took on without training or any real preparedness.
Sir Paul Dukes was an incredible human being.
December 12, 2024
In her memoir, Marooned in Moscow, Ms. Harrison mentions Paul Dukes. One of the few she mentions but writes of never meeting: curious I thought.
I see Ms. Harrison as a remarkable woman. I see Mr Dukes as her equal.
My grandparents, with my father [their young son] escaped Soviet Poland. They spoke of the courage of those who did resist. I'm amazed to read of people who willing travelled to Eastern-Europe knowing the danger they faced.
I see Ms. Harrison as a remarkable woman. I see Mr Dukes as her equal.
My grandparents, with my father [their young son] escaped Soviet Poland. They spoke of the courage of those who did resist. I'm amazed to read of people who willing travelled to Eastern-Europe knowing the danger they faced.
October 27, 2022
It is, commonly, believed that, Paul Henry Dukes 'held a position as a language teacher in Riga, Latvia and later moved to St. Petersburg, having been recruited personally by Mansfield Smith-Cumming, the head of MI6 ('C'), to act as a secret agent in Imperial Russia, because of his fluency in the Russian language'.
If you care to trust in the word of Paul Henry Dukes - and I would venture you'll have no doubt of his word should you read this book - "in the frosty sunshine of the afternoon of March 11th, 1917, I was stood on Nevsky Prospect", St Petersburg witnessing the death and destruction and knowing the revolution was in the offing. Although, "nominally" in the employ of the British Foreign Office, he was in Russia as a member of the Anglo-Russian Commission. "I was in Samara, a year after the revolution, training a detachment of boy-scouts" when he received an urgent telegram from London asking him to return immediately.
Upon his return, Mansfield Smith-Cumming asked him to undergo a 'few-weeks' training (ciphers, invisible ink and the like - he'd no previous knowledge, training or experience of 'spying') and then 'go-back'; and, in the words of Paul Henry Dukes, "enquire" of what was happening with regard to the revolution: the network of spies previously sending information to London had collapsed.
Part 1, of the book, is Paul Henry Dukes' account of his activities in Russia, for and on behalf of MI6. If at any time 'the enquirer' had been arrested, he almost certainly would have been tortured and executed: "courageous enough," I would say. You'll read of a few 'close-shaves', a few encounters with the 'Cheka', a few hasty retreats and an amount of 'hiding-in-the-shadows', but at no point does this man's account entertain you with death defying exploits. Yet, 'he returned to Britain a distinguished hero, and in 1920 was knighted by King George V, who called Dukes the "greatest of all soldiers." To this day, Dukes is the only person knighted based entirely on his exploits in espionage.'
I think Paul Henry Dukes might also be honoured with the title of, 'Master of Modesty'. I did come away with the impression, Mr Dukes would be happy to keep his light under a bushel.
Part 2, is Mr Dukes' summation of the Russian people, the revolution and the consequences to come. In his words: "But the greatest and most inspiring lesson of all will be the ultimate example of the Russian people, by wondrous patience and invincible endurance overcoming their present and perhaps even greater tribulation, and emerging triumphant through persevering belief in the truths of that philosophy which the Communists describe as ‘the opium of the people’".
A remarkable book. An absolute pleasure to read: and, this underpins my belief that 'eventually' the ordinary people of this great country will one day be free of the choke first put around them all those years ago.
If you care to trust in the word of Paul Henry Dukes - and I would venture you'll have no doubt of his word should you read this book - "in the frosty sunshine of the afternoon of March 11th, 1917, I was stood on Nevsky Prospect", St Petersburg witnessing the death and destruction and knowing the revolution was in the offing. Although, "nominally" in the employ of the British Foreign Office, he was in Russia as a member of the Anglo-Russian Commission. "I was in Samara, a year after the revolution, training a detachment of boy-scouts" when he received an urgent telegram from London asking him to return immediately.
Upon his return, Mansfield Smith-Cumming asked him to undergo a 'few-weeks' training (ciphers, invisible ink and the like - he'd no previous knowledge, training or experience of 'spying') and then 'go-back'; and, in the words of Paul Henry Dukes, "enquire" of what was happening with regard to the revolution: the network of spies previously sending information to London had collapsed.
Part 1, of the book, is Paul Henry Dukes' account of his activities in Russia, for and on behalf of MI6. If at any time 'the enquirer' had been arrested, he almost certainly would have been tortured and executed: "courageous enough," I would say. You'll read of a few 'close-shaves', a few encounters with the 'Cheka', a few hasty retreats and an amount of 'hiding-in-the-shadows', but at no point does this man's account entertain you with death defying exploits. Yet, 'he returned to Britain a distinguished hero, and in 1920 was knighted by King George V, who called Dukes the "greatest of all soldiers." To this day, Dukes is the only person knighted based entirely on his exploits in espionage.'
I think Paul Henry Dukes might also be honoured with the title of, 'Master of Modesty'. I did come away with the impression, Mr Dukes would be happy to keep his light under a bushel.
Part 2, is Mr Dukes' summation of the Russian people, the revolution and the consequences to come. In his words: "But the greatest and most inspiring lesson of all will be the ultimate example of the Russian people, by wondrous patience and invincible endurance overcoming their present and perhaps even greater tribulation, and emerging triumphant through persevering belief in the truths of that philosophy which the Communists describe as ‘the opium of the people’".
A remarkable book. An absolute pleasure to read: and, this underpins my belief that 'eventually' the ordinary people of this great country will one day be free of the choke first put around them all those years ago.
March 15, 2023
The life and times of Paul Dukes whilst in post-revolutionary Russia:
- There to ‘make investigations’ on behalf of the British Government
- There as an undercover agent, in the field, for the British Secret Service.
- There without any formal training.
- There having never before partaken in any form of espionage activity
- There without diplomatic protection.
- There without any support, to speak of, from the Foreign Office.
His achievements were of such magnitude that, and I quote: “he returned to Britain a distinguished hero, and in 1920 was knighted by King George V, who called Dukes the "greatest of all soldiers." To this day, Dukes is the only person knighted based entirely on his exploits in espionage.”
At one time he was the Cheka’s (state security - later to become known as the KGB) most wanted ‘enemy of the people’ and labelled the ‘Man of a Hundred Faces’. A ‘Gray Man’, willing to drift from place to place with no more for protection than forged identification: he was for a time able to brandish a forged Cheka identification.
You’ll not read of death defying car chases, snipers bullets, assassin’s daggers or blood curdling hand-to-hand combat. This is the story of a quiet man, of intellect, of sharp mind (some term that as ‘wit’), of immense bravery and steel-hard nerve: a man of honour who did what he promised and never failed to understand the torment and feeling of betrayal his Russian friends bore.
His success and survival was as a result of the loyal friends he made whilst building the networks of agents, he came to rely upon.
This is a truly remarkable story.
- There to ‘make investigations’ on behalf of the British Government
- There as an undercover agent, in the field, for the British Secret Service.
- There without any formal training.
- There having never before partaken in any form of espionage activity
- There without diplomatic protection.
- There without any support, to speak of, from the Foreign Office.
His achievements were of such magnitude that, and I quote: “he returned to Britain a distinguished hero, and in 1920 was knighted by King George V, who called Dukes the "greatest of all soldiers." To this day, Dukes is the only person knighted based entirely on his exploits in espionage.”
At one time he was the Cheka’s (state security - later to become known as the KGB) most wanted ‘enemy of the people’ and labelled the ‘Man of a Hundred Faces’. A ‘Gray Man’, willing to drift from place to place with no more for protection than forged identification: he was for a time able to brandish a forged Cheka identification.
You’ll not read of death defying car chases, snipers bullets, assassin’s daggers or blood curdling hand-to-hand combat. This is the story of a quiet man, of intellect, of sharp mind (some term that as ‘wit’), of immense bravery and steel-hard nerve: a man of honour who did what he promised and never failed to understand the torment and feeling of betrayal his Russian friends bore.
His success and survival was as a result of the loyal friends he made whilst building the networks of agents, he came to rely upon.
This is a truly remarkable story.
September 10, 2024
I am not going to suggest this is a wonderfully told thriller, written in the most riveting fashion.
I gave five stars in respect of this man.
Before page twenty I had looked him up on the Net. I hold my hands up, I have never seen a more gorgeous man. He is a dream. By page 150, I was in love with this guy. How is it possible for a person to put the safety and well-being of so many that he'd no debt to whatsoever, before his own safety, comfort and well-being?
I accept and respect those that put their lives on the line in the two world wars and recognise that some did so without being ordered into the fray. For me, this man must be given a place above - and yes, he was knighted for the work he did in Russia - he lived for months and months off wit alone, ensuring he remained as disciplined in his work as he possibly could, because, at all times the safety of those who worked for him was paramount.
Hardship - Endurance - Determination: how few of us know of the lengths people like Sir Paul Henry Dukes are prepared to go to for the sake of others. He never set out to break a world record, climb a mountain, sail a sea, seek acclaim, revel in the publicity and write a book. He went to work quietly, professionally and competently. He wrote this to put on record, for those of us that would come after him, how wretched the 'Red Morrow' was for those who were not able to escape the Bolshevik terror. There are history books that will tell you the same. This is not a history book. This is a first hand account of what life was like during those terrifying days and of what, he knew, lay in wait for the ordinary, hard working people of Russia: his friends. Although all that he did changed nothing, I cannot but admire him for trying. I never thought it possible that a book could change a person's appreciation of the life they are living. This has changed mine.
His picture will remain by my bedside.
I gave five stars in respect of this man.
Before page twenty I had looked him up on the Net. I hold my hands up, I have never seen a more gorgeous man. He is a dream. By page 150, I was in love with this guy. How is it possible for a person to put the safety and well-being of so many that he'd no debt to whatsoever, before his own safety, comfort and well-being?
I accept and respect those that put their lives on the line in the two world wars and recognise that some did so without being ordered into the fray. For me, this man must be given a place above - and yes, he was knighted for the work he did in Russia - he lived for months and months off wit alone, ensuring he remained as disciplined in his work as he possibly could, because, at all times the safety of those who worked for him was paramount.
Hardship - Endurance - Determination: how few of us know of the lengths people like Sir Paul Henry Dukes are prepared to go to for the sake of others. He never set out to break a world record, climb a mountain, sail a sea, seek acclaim, revel in the publicity and write a book. He went to work quietly, professionally and competently. He wrote this to put on record, for those of us that would come after him, how wretched the 'Red Morrow' was for those who were not able to escape the Bolshevik terror. There are history books that will tell you the same. This is not a history book. This is a first hand account of what life was like during those terrifying days and of what, he knew, lay in wait for the ordinary, hard working people of Russia: his friends. Although all that he did changed nothing, I cannot but admire him for trying. I never thought it possible that a book could change a person's appreciation of the life they are living. This has changed mine.
His picture will remain by my bedside.
June 26, 2025
This is not fiction.
Why is this not a film?
Why are we not taught this history at school?
Why is there not a statue of this man in London?
Why is this not a film?
Why are we not taught this history at school?
Why is there not a statue of this man in London?
May 19, 2025
Paul Henry Dukes was knighted by the King upon his return to Britain. The only person ever knighted for their work for the intelligence community.
If you do read this, you'll see why.
If you do read this, you'll see why.
June 28, 2020
Fascinating description of Russia post revolution and first world war by the British spy sent into Petrograd to report back on the situation. Paul Dukes subsisted in highly difficult conditions and writes about his experiences with the people and in the Red Army. Feels very fresh, even after 100 years. The reports of his dashing entries and exits over the dangerous borders are grippingly exciting. This book should be compulsory reading for any communist sympathisers to turn them off.
September 7, 2023
A Jaw Dropper.
To think that a man could survive for so long, undercover, in the very heart of revolutionary Russia and achieve so much is but a reflection of this man's character... nerves of steel.
Keep Calm And Carry On Spying.
To think that a man could survive for so long, undercover, in the very heart of revolutionary Russia and achieve so much is but a reflection of this man's character... nerves of steel.
Keep Calm And Carry On Spying.
December 15, 2025
Like many others that have read this: I am besotted.
Meg asks, 'Where have all the real men gone?'
If you're a girl and you are hunting for fictional characters to swoon over, give it up and read this.
Sir, Paul Dukes is unfortunately no longer with us. Even so, I agree with Gisela, 'the idea of feeling a little faint and wobbly in his presence is something to dream of.
An incredible man in an incredible time.
Meg asks, 'Where have all the real men gone?'
If you're a girl and you are hunting for fictional characters to swoon over, give it up and read this.
Sir, Paul Dukes is unfortunately no longer with us. Even so, I agree with Gisela, 'the idea of feeling a little faint and wobbly in his presence is something to dream of.
An incredible man in an incredible time.
March 7, 2023
Simply a totally absorbing read. This is an edge-of-the-seat-thriller: and it's all true.
I would suggest those that write the true-to-life espionage thrillers, the credible plots, must feed of this and other similar accounts.
My take: a spy glass on the spy world.
I would suggest those that write the true-to-life espionage thrillers, the credible plots, must feed of this and other similar accounts.
My take: a spy glass on the spy world.
December 27, 2025
What do I think?
I think he is far too humble. Incorrigibly reckless. Utterly charming. Wickedly intelligent. Both reliable and at the same time dangerous beyond any limits. A man I would die for.
I think he is far too humble. Incorrigibly reckless. Utterly charming. Wickedly intelligent. Both reliable and at the same time dangerous beyond any limits. A man I would die for.
September 25, 2012
This is a book of two parts, firstly a memoir of the authors time in Russia spying for the UK during the early part of the Red Terror. The second, less exciting but more interesting, part of the book is an analysis of Russian situation.
The adventure part of the book is written with a style and flare that make you think that you are reading Buchan or Sapper. A tense exciting spy thriller, although except for a few sections crossing the border, Dukes is more Smiley than Bond, agent runner not agent. If anything this makes the story even more tense and real. You really get the feeling of pervasive fear and confusion in the early Soviet Russia, this comes across as a society brutalised and in shock.
The story is very human describing Duke's adventures, the people he meets, the intrigues that he is involved in. You really understand the authors genuine sympathy, affection for the people he deals with and his concern with the way that the system is starting to crush them.
This part of the book is worth reading, not just for the sense of adventure, but also for the understanding that you get of the Petrograd of the period.
The second part of the book is an analysis of Russia as Paul Dukes new it at the time. It is remarkable how close this analysis is to modern assessments of the period, however, Dukes brings his analysis to life with stories and anecdotes based on his own personal experience to bring to life what could be a very dry thesis. When you read a comparison of the oratorical styles of Trotsky, Lenin and Zinoviev, by someone who actually saw all three in action you get the chills.
This part of the book is also makes for a poignant read. It is written without the benefit of hindsight and without reference to Stalin. There is still hope that everything will turn out all right. A hope that was dashed. Every time you read about independence of the peasants, the more you understand why the Bolsheviks needed to crush them and how a few years later Stalin came to kill millions of them. The author makes a point of explaining that whilst a lot of Bolsheviks are Jewish, just as many Jews hate Bolshevism and just want to live normal lives. He uses this point to warn against those he promote pogroms against the Jews because of the beliefs of only some of their number. A tragic warning of what was to come.
The Russian Revolution is one of those events where there is no neutrality. You are either for Communism or against it. I am anti-Bolshevik. The only niggle in this book is that Dukes was a serious anti-Bolshevik and this book was published (and allowed to be published by the British Government) as part of an anti-bolshevik campaign. The only possible niggle with this book is that there are occasions, particularly in the first section of the book, where the anti-bolshevik propaganda is a bit heavy handed. Now for me, this panders nicely to my own pre-conceptions, and even makes me smile. To an pro-communist though, I imagine that this book would be quite irritating to read.
I would certainly recommend reading this book if you are at all interested in this period of history.
The adventure part of the book is written with a style and flare that make you think that you are reading Buchan or Sapper. A tense exciting spy thriller, although except for a few sections crossing the border, Dukes is more Smiley than Bond, agent runner not agent. If anything this makes the story even more tense and real. You really get the feeling of pervasive fear and confusion in the early Soviet Russia, this comes across as a society brutalised and in shock.
The story is very human describing Duke's adventures, the people he meets, the intrigues that he is involved in. You really understand the authors genuine sympathy, affection for the people he deals with and his concern with the way that the system is starting to crush them.
This part of the book is worth reading, not just for the sense of adventure, but also for the understanding that you get of the Petrograd of the period.
The second part of the book is an analysis of Russia as Paul Dukes new it at the time. It is remarkable how close this analysis is to modern assessments of the period, however, Dukes brings his analysis to life with stories and anecdotes based on his own personal experience to bring to life what could be a very dry thesis. When you read a comparison of the oratorical styles of Trotsky, Lenin and Zinoviev, by someone who actually saw all three in action you get the chills.
This part of the book is also makes for a poignant read. It is written without the benefit of hindsight and without reference to Stalin. There is still hope that everything will turn out all right. A hope that was dashed. Every time you read about independence of the peasants, the more you understand why the Bolsheviks needed to crush them and how a few years later Stalin came to kill millions of them. The author makes a point of explaining that whilst a lot of Bolsheviks are Jewish, just as many Jews hate Bolshevism and just want to live normal lives. He uses this point to warn against those he promote pogroms against the Jews because of the beliefs of only some of their number. A tragic warning of what was to come.
The Russian Revolution is one of those events where there is no neutrality. You are either for Communism or against it. I am anti-Bolshevik. The only niggle in this book is that Dukes was a serious anti-Bolshevik and this book was published (and allowed to be published by the British Government) as part of an anti-bolshevik campaign. The only possible niggle with this book is that there are occasions, particularly in the first section of the book, where the anti-bolshevik propaganda is a bit heavy handed. Now for me, this panders nicely to my own pre-conceptions, and even makes me smile. To an pro-communist though, I imagine that this book would be quite irritating to read.
I would certainly recommend reading this book if you are at all interested in this period of history.
July 27, 2023
An interesting combination of espionage-thriller, reminiscences of an MI6 Agent and commentary on the Bolshevik revolution by someone who lived in St. Petersburg prior to and during the early years of the revolution. Lots of action, intrigue, tension and adventure. Well written, very engaging and most importantly, it rings true.
November 29, 2025
Imagine an average looking guy (I think he's delicious but then, I fell in love with him before I was halfway through the book: he is a dream of a man) wandering about in pre-revolution Russia: teaching a bit of music, helping out with the Boy Scouts and generally making friends with the everyday folk. Sounds like a sweet guy.
He's asked (asked) to return to Britain for a chat (a chat) - a year later he's the most wanted man (by the Cheka - the forerunner to the KGB) in Russia. Still sounds like a sweet guy?
This is a must read: this man is everything a girl could ever wish for.
He's asked (asked) to return to Britain for a chat (a chat) - a year later he's the most wanted man (by the Cheka - the forerunner to the KGB) in Russia. Still sounds like a sweet guy?
This is a must read: this man is everything a girl could ever wish for.
April 21, 2022
Reading Operation Kronstadt, in which Harry Ferguson interweaves the plight of Paul Dukes, led me to this. I think Ferguson's pen, as it does only too frequently, gave way to the lengths Ian Fleming and Robert Ludlum reach in their well-read views of 'spy-work'.
In this, Paul Dukes gives, firstly, his own account of his time in Russia, (which lacks all and any embellishment) working as an undercover British agent, immediately post the Bolshevik revolution; which does indeed take your breath, at times, when reading of the risks he lived under and the close shaves he survived.
Secondly and I would suggest just as revealing, he provides his view on the Russian people and the quagmire they'd become marooned within as a consequence of the recent insurrection.
Paul Dukes was undoubtedly a determined and brave man along with tremendous care and concern for Russia and its people.
I cannot lay claim to reading any great academic works, but I must say I found this to be most informative and being a first-hand study of those terrible days by an astute and searching mind, I would suggest this is a most worthy read for anyone hoping to fully understand the history of Eastern-Europe in the early years of the last century.
This, without doubt, is a thriller. But also, the story of a man who truly cares about the future of those he has lived and worked with.
In this, Paul Dukes gives, firstly, his own account of his time in Russia, (which lacks all and any embellishment) working as an undercover British agent, immediately post the Bolshevik revolution; which does indeed take your breath, at times, when reading of the risks he lived under and the close shaves he survived.
Secondly and I would suggest just as revealing, he provides his view on the Russian people and the quagmire they'd become marooned within as a consequence of the recent insurrection.
Paul Dukes was undoubtedly a determined and brave man along with tremendous care and concern for Russia and its people.
I cannot lay claim to reading any great academic works, but I must say I found this to be most informative and being a first-hand study of those terrible days by an astute and searching mind, I would suggest this is a most worthy read for anyone hoping to fully understand the history of Eastern-Europe in the early years of the last century.
This, without doubt, is a thriller. But also, the story of a man who truly cares about the future of those he has lived and worked with.
July 25, 2022
Set in the time of the Russian Revolution: the unravelling of real-life intelligence work from the field operator. I doubt much has changed - in real-life - in the past one-hundred years.
Nerves of steel - Yes
Of high-intellect - Yes
Able to think around corners - Yes
A British agent sent into the melee to support the resistance networks and keep an information flow back to Britain. This I found compelling and difficult to put down.
My eyes have been opened: this is a book about Russia as it truly was, from the perspective of those on the street and real-courage; not just the author's.
Nerves of steel - Yes
Of high-intellect - Yes
Able to think around corners - Yes
A British agent sent into the melee to support the resistance networks and keep an information flow back to Britain. This I found compelling and difficult to put down.
My eyes have been opened: this is a book about Russia as it truly was, from the perspective of those on the street and real-courage; not just the author's.
March 6, 2023
A must for all of us that seek truelife espionage thrillers.
December 21, 2025
In the backwash from the Russian Revolution there's a melting pot of people, some are simply frightened for their life and trying to survive until tomorrow. There are good, bad, evil, self-centred, cowards, and those with the heart of a lion.
Paul Dukes was recalled from Russia where he was more or less doing charity work, teaching a bit of music and helping out with the boy-scouts, probably in return for a meal and roof. Asked to go back and make investigations, he took the King's shilling.
If you are at all interested in what people do: the good, the bad, the evil, the self-centred, the cowards, and those with the heart of a lion, when their true character is tested, like me you'll not be able to put this down.
I am, maybe, a little too caught up on the idea of character: in my view life today is more of a show, a performance, where all that we do is captured and put out for viewing: we're acting, hiding our true self from the audience.
Paul Dukes took it upon himself to make record of his time and what he could uncover, then send it back to the King. He had after all took the shilling.
Without asking for a penny, Paul Dukes took it upon himself to do everything he possibly could for those he had the fortune to befriend. A true friend. A man of good character. A man who cared more about the safety of the people he knew than he did for his own safety.
No show to act in. No audience. Just a man who stayed true to his beliefs no matter what was put before him.
Full of breath-taking moments and old-school ways of spying, it is a thrilling read. I put all that aside: this is a book about people.
Paul Dukes was recalled from Russia where he was more or less doing charity work, teaching a bit of music and helping out with the boy-scouts, probably in return for a meal and roof. Asked to go back and make investigations, he took the King's shilling.
If you are at all interested in what people do: the good, the bad, the evil, the self-centred, the cowards, and those with the heart of a lion, when their true character is tested, like me you'll not be able to put this down.
I am, maybe, a little too caught up on the idea of character: in my view life today is more of a show, a performance, where all that we do is captured and put out for viewing: we're acting, hiding our true self from the audience.
Paul Dukes took it upon himself to make record of his time and what he could uncover, then send it back to the King. He had after all took the shilling.
Without asking for a penny, Paul Dukes took it upon himself to do everything he possibly could for those he had the fortune to befriend. A true friend. A man of good character. A man who cared more about the safety of the people he knew than he did for his own safety.
No show to act in. No audience. Just a man who stayed true to his beliefs no matter what was put before him.
Full of breath-taking moments and old-school ways of spying, it is a thrilling read. I put all that aside: this is a book about people.
November 2, 2024
An amazing tale. It is incredulous to think that a person could survive through all of what he set out to do. I had no idea the British would send people out with little more than a ten pound note and the wish, 'Do I try and stay in touch.'
He fell in love with the people and I could sense the anguish in him over what became of the country.
He fell in love with the people and I could sense the anguish in him over what became of the country.
April 11, 2025
They do not make people like this any longer.
September 23, 2025
I'm lost for words. I professed my undying love for Captain Hill and then you, Mr Dukes, entered my life. I've never been sold on that monogomy idea and although I fully understand you're no longer with us (the world became a poorer place upon your passing) but would like you to know I would have been most happy to serve you both.
September 29, 2024
No words, I'm convinced, could adequately describe how engrossing I became when reading of this man's exploits. You can find all you want about Paul Dukes from the web, so I'll not try to. He was in foreign lands doing fun and friendly activities: teaching, playing music, helping the youth, being a positive influence. The boss of the British Spies, asks him to become a spy in Russia, a Russia in the throws of revolution. He agrees and without any training gets to it.
What comes from this is how dedicated, determined, disciplined, dogged and devoted Paul Dukes was to helping those he could. He cared for Russia and the people. He put his life on the line for Russia and the people.
It's a memoir. It's not a fanciful account of his time away. It's testament to the calibre of a man.
What comes from this is how dedicated, determined, disciplined, dogged and devoted Paul Dukes was to helping those he could. He cared for Russia and the people. He put his life on the line for Russia and the people.
It's a memoir. It's not a fanciful account of his time away. It's testament to the calibre of a man.
September 13, 2023
Mr Dukes was 'making investigations' (spying) in Russia at the same time as Captain Hill was 'spying the land'.
Just as I credit Captain Hill, I do Mr Dukes. It would be an unforgettable experience to meet with such people (of either gender); there must be women-folk of that same metal.
Mr Dukes comes across as a most self-effacing, modest, of men; yet he possessed the most uncanny wit, courage and at the same time concern for the Russian people.
I feel privileged to read his memoir.
Just as I credit Captain Hill, I do Mr Dukes. It would be an unforgettable experience to meet with such people (of either gender); there must be women-folk of that same metal.
Mr Dukes comes across as a most self-effacing, modest, of men; yet he possessed the most uncanny wit, courage and at the same time concern for the Russian people.
I feel privileged to read his memoir.
May 31, 2017
A classic first-hand account by a British spy of conditions in Russia after the Bolshevik takeover.
December 28, 2024
I'm captured by this whole idea of the strong-hearted working under the radar to improve the lot for the ordinary citizen. I accept, 'The Roads Chosen' trilogy is fiction, but I believe it's based on real people that are trying to help the unfortunate. This is not fiction, yet it follows in the same vein.
I understand why the girls are taken by Paul Dukes (I, now, am too). His story takes my breath away. People of Mr Duke's ilk are far rarer than one in a million. When reading this it is easy to accept that he put King and Country before all else. Maybe, I'm not convinced, he set out with that duty in mind. We must remember he had spent time in Russia before The Crown put a shilling in his hand. I'd venture, he had already put the people of Russia, a country he adored, before all else and his courage and selfless acts were driven by a desire to do the right thing for the people he cared so much for. He was teaching at youth clubs at the time MI6 came calling.
This is history. Real, breathtaking, history. The history that makes me proud to say, "I'm British." We made, the British, made huge mistakes, some of which Mr Dukes touches upon. Everyone makes mistakes. What we did do is put people into a crisis that was probably as dangerous as the front line on the Somme and those people did their very best.
I understand why the girls are taken by Paul Dukes (I, now, am too). His story takes my breath away. People of Mr Duke's ilk are far rarer than one in a million. When reading this it is easy to accept that he put King and Country before all else. Maybe, I'm not convinced, he set out with that duty in mind. We must remember he had spent time in Russia before The Crown put a shilling in his hand. I'd venture, he had already put the people of Russia, a country he adored, before all else and his courage and selfless acts were driven by a desire to do the right thing for the people he cared so much for. He was teaching at youth clubs at the time MI6 came calling.
This is history. Real, breathtaking, history. The history that makes me proud to say, "I'm British." We made, the British, made huge mistakes, some of which Mr Dukes touches upon. Everyone makes mistakes. What we did do is put people into a crisis that was probably as dangerous as the front line on the Somme and those people did their very best.
October 27, 2024
There is much to learn: about the ordinary, law-abiding, people who wanted nothing but to live peacefully and work hard to improve their lot along with much about the ideological zealots both bringing and condoning the terror we now know of.
Paul Dukes was in Russia before the political storm brought havoc and I've an inkling (I've done a little digging) his fondness for the people was forged before he was called back to London and 'asked' to go investigate. The respect, admiration and belief Paul Dukes had for 'the people' becomes obvious and I've a sense he was working as much for improving the chance of a decent future for Russia as he was for the Crown. Paul Dukes provides a first-hand account of those times and is worth every minute of time spent. So, to Mr Dukes...
he is incredibly handsome (that's is not why I took to fluttering my eyelids, offering the faintest of smiles and brushing my cheek with a finger tip). He is charming. A gentleman in all matters, including when with the ladies. He is a decent man, intelligent, courageous, and has what we all hope for: a truly kind heart.
Paul Dukes was in Russia before the political storm brought havoc and I've an inkling (I've done a little digging) his fondness for the people was forged before he was called back to London and 'asked' to go investigate. The respect, admiration and belief Paul Dukes had for 'the people' becomes obvious and I've a sense he was working as much for improving the chance of a decent future for Russia as he was for the Crown. Paul Dukes provides a first-hand account of those times and is worth every minute of time spent. So, to Mr Dukes...
he is incredibly handsome (that's is not why I took to fluttering my eyelids, offering the faintest of smiles and brushing my cheek with a finger tip). He is charming. A gentleman in all matters, including when with the ladies. He is a decent man, intelligent, courageous, and has what we all hope for: a truly kind heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews