What do you think?
Rate this book
Go Spy the Land
The latest in Biteback's best-selling Dialogue Espionage Classics series of rediscovered spy masterpieces, Go Spy the Land is George Alexander Hill's account of perilous adventure in pre- and post-Bolshevik Russia, where he ran missions as an agent in the employ of Britain's nascent secret services. Far from the covert, technology-driven intelligence gathering of the modern espionage world, Hill's was an age of swashbuckling, swordsticks and secret assignations with deadly woman spies. Originally published in 1933 and out of print for many years, Hill's rip-roaring narrative is more reminiscent of John Buchan's The Thirty-Nine Steps than of the world of gloomy secrets occupied by John le Carre's George Smiley and is a portrait of an age unfathomable to those growing up against a backdrop of Prism, Wikileaks and cyber espionage.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2014
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 31, 2025
I am so taken with this man.
He stole the Romanian Crown Jewels from the Kremlin (where they were being kept against the wishes of the royal family and re-routed rail traffic so that he could personally transport these treasures back to Romania.
Why would a man expose himself to so much risk, when he is in Russia to steal secrets (spy) at the behest of the British?
Because he felt that it was wrong of the Bolshies to keep them.
This is a marvellous account of an extraordinary man and his exploits.
He stole the Romanian Crown Jewels from the Kremlin (where they were being kept against the wishes of the royal family and re-routed rail traffic so that he could personally transport these treasures back to Romania.
Why would a man expose himself to so much risk, when he is in Russia to steal secrets (spy) at the behest of the British?
Because he felt that it was wrong of the Bolshies to keep them.
This is a marvellous account of an extraordinary man and his exploits.
November 20, 2024
A personal account, written by Captain George Hill of his time in Russia, DOWNPLAYING the courage, resourcefulness, intelligence, ingenuity, kindness and generosity, of the man.
Reading this, of this man, leaves me breathless.
Wonderful memoir of a wonderful man.
Reading this, of this man, leaves me breathless.
Wonderful memoir of a wonderful man.
November 15, 2022
In here you will find many of the hair-raising escapades experienced by George Hill.
In his early school days as the son of a merchant in Prussia, where he was schooled by a German and French nanny and where the unrest of the times brought him face to face with secret agents, terrorists acts and political intrigue: "Murder, assassination, and hold-ups in the street were the order of the day between 1905 and 1907."
Fluent in several languages before he reached his twenties, young Mr Hill was fishing in Canada at the outbreak of WWI and "rushed to join up". Drafted to Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, on arrival in France the non-commissioned Hill was soon put to work as an interpreter and soon after given work gathering intelligence, work which led to a commission.
This is a true and first-hand account of the incredible actions taken by Captain George Hill, during the part of his life spent as a secret-service agent when asked to 'go spy the upheaval in post-revolutionary Russia' and report back on his findings. At the end of the book, we are invited to read the report filed with the war office by Captain Hill after his return to London.
We read, often, of those that can remain cool, calm and collected; those who can make an assessment and decided upon a course of action within the blink of an eye, with twenty-twenty hindsight it may not have been the most advantageous course to follow, but a decision had to be made, it was, and in Captain Hill's words, 'with wit, will and determination' it was made to work.
The sheer audacity, pluck and ingenuity shown when faced with what would wilt the average person is unimaginable to me. I would not dare to go into detail: it's all in here for you to read and I would not want to spoil one shred of what you will find here.
Captain Hill talks of those he was proud to serve with and call friends. Many of whom he was not able to name at time of writing as they were still alive and living in Russia. "I mention Sir Paul Dukes and Sidney Reilly because their stories are known, but there are a score of other names in this silent service to which I once belonged, who could tell of tasks done and obstacles overcome which would read like fairy stories and yet contain not a syllable of exaggeration."
Every day his life and those who worked with him was at risk: many of his couriers and other agents of his network were arrested, tortured and executed.
I shall leave you with this: .... "It was getting more difficult every day to keep my courier service going. A further twelve of my men had been executed during the Red Terror. Some of these men knew my headquarters and could undoubtedly have saved their lives by betraying me, but because they held the cause of the Allies dear, because they were White officers and gentlemen, they preferred death at the hands of a firing squad to treachery. Whenever I hear those inspiring words: ‘At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them,’ each of my eighteen couriers stands out vividly in my mind."
I feel honoured to be given, by the self-sacrifice of many, the opportunity to read this.
In his early school days as the son of a merchant in Prussia, where he was schooled by a German and French nanny and where the unrest of the times brought him face to face with secret agents, terrorists acts and political intrigue: "Murder, assassination, and hold-ups in the street were the order of the day between 1905 and 1907."
Fluent in several languages before he reached his twenties, young Mr Hill was fishing in Canada at the outbreak of WWI and "rushed to join up". Drafted to Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, on arrival in France the non-commissioned Hill was soon put to work as an interpreter and soon after given work gathering intelligence, work which led to a commission.
This is a true and first-hand account of the incredible actions taken by Captain George Hill, during the part of his life spent as a secret-service agent when asked to 'go spy the upheaval in post-revolutionary Russia' and report back on his findings. At the end of the book, we are invited to read the report filed with the war office by Captain Hill after his return to London.
We read, often, of those that can remain cool, calm and collected; those who can make an assessment and decided upon a course of action within the blink of an eye, with twenty-twenty hindsight it may not have been the most advantageous course to follow, but a decision had to be made, it was, and in Captain Hill's words, 'with wit, will and determination' it was made to work.
The sheer audacity, pluck and ingenuity shown when faced with what would wilt the average person is unimaginable to me. I would not dare to go into detail: it's all in here for you to read and I would not want to spoil one shred of what you will find here.
Captain Hill talks of those he was proud to serve with and call friends. Many of whom he was not able to name at time of writing as they were still alive and living in Russia. "I mention Sir Paul Dukes and Sidney Reilly because their stories are known, but there are a score of other names in this silent service to which I once belonged, who could tell of tasks done and obstacles overcome which would read like fairy stories and yet contain not a syllable of exaggeration."
Every day his life and those who worked with him was at risk: many of his couriers and other agents of his network were arrested, tortured and executed.
I shall leave you with this: .... "It was getting more difficult every day to keep my courier service going. A further twelve of my men had been executed during the Red Terror. Some of these men knew my headquarters and could undoubtedly have saved their lives by betraying me, but because they held the cause of the Allies dear, because they were White officers and gentlemen, they preferred death at the hands of a firing squad to treachery. Whenever I hear those inspiring words: ‘At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them,’ each of my eighteen couriers stands out vividly in my mind."
I feel honoured to be given, by the self-sacrifice of many, the opportunity to read this.
June 23, 2025
Oh my. Captain Hill. Are you a dream? You and Paul Dukes will be in my heart, I think, forever.
Captain George Hill was asked to venture on dangerous ground and gather information. He was without doubt an agent of the West. He did what was asked of him, but George was not just a spy. George was a man with an immensly kind heart, he was a man with a huge empathy for those caught up in the horrors of the Bolshevik uprising. George put his 'friends' first: (the spy world would refer to them as his sources - they were his friends and he cared about them).
If I'd not joined Goodreads, I doubt I would have ever found these men.
Captain George Hill was asked to venture on dangerous ground and gather information. He was without doubt an agent of the West. He did what was asked of him, but George was not just a spy. George was a man with an immensly kind heart, he was a man with a huge empathy for those caught up in the horrors of the Bolshevik uprising. George put his 'friends' first: (the spy world would refer to them as his sources - they were his friends and he cared about them).
If I'd not joined Goodreads, I doubt I would have ever found these men.
January 25, 2023
The exploits of George Hill. Can it be said, he was born to be a spy (field agent)? I do wonder. The temerity of the man is beyond belief.
This is his account of his time in Russia during revolutionary times. What George did and how he went about the doing is already available to 'Goodreads Folk'. All I will say is, "This is, without doubt, far, far beyond all the bluff and bluster put about regarding the modern times thrillers, a REAL edge of the seat read.
Courage, ingenuity, devil-may-care, nerves of steel, but beyond all else, and testified by the man himself: wit. Without it, he suggests, you will struggle to survive.
This is one of the most engaging of yarns I have had the pleasure to read.
This is his account of his time in Russia during revolutionary times. What George did and how he went about the doing is already available to 'Goodreads Folk'. All I will say is, "This is, without doubt, far, far beyond all the bluff and bluster put about regarding the modern times thrillers, a REAL edge of the seat read.
Courage, ingenuity, devil-may-care, nerves of steel, but beyond all else, and testified by the man himself: wit. Without it, he suggests, you will struggle to survive.
This is one of the most engaging of yarns I have had the pleasure to read.
October 13, 2024
Operation Mincemeat took my breath away. I was flabbergasted that people could be so bold. This ...
This is unbelievable. If I didn't know it was true I would laugh at the idea of people even thinking of attempting what these 'spies' got up to.
Their audacity: you have to read it.
The author says: "A spy carries his life in his hands. His existence is one long hazard, joyous or the contrary. Spies in the British service have commonly taken up their dangerous duty out of sheer love of adventure."
There is this major problem with train transport: congestion at a major junction, called the knot, food and provisions are just not getting to where they need to be: and there's a war on (WWI). Up pops two of our 'spies in the British service' and they offer (we need the authorisation before we do, on paper, signed and stamped) to solve it. They do and win major credibility with the authorities. The signed paper allows them so much more room to manoeuvre (get the things done they want doing).
According to the author (one of the two) all you need is: wit, will and determination. I think you need far more than that.
I still can't believe he (the one of the two) pulled off all that he did.
This is truly amazing and the best book I've ever read. I want more of the same.
I shall pinch a little of Mary's wordology (I don't know if that is a real word): this is 'brilly-squilly'.
This is unbelievable. If I didn't know it was true I would laugh at the idea of people even thinking of attempting what these 'spies' got up to.
Their audacity: you have to read it.
The author says: "A spy carries his life in his hands. His existence is one long hazard, joyous or the contrary. Spies in the British service have commonly taken up their dangerous duty out of sheer love of adventure."
There is this major problem with train transport: congestion at a major junction, called the knot, food and provisions are just not getting to where they need to be: and there's a war on (WWI). Up pops two of our 'spies in the British service' and they offer (we need the authorisation before we do, on paper, signed and stamped) to solve it. They do and win major credibility with the authorities. The signed paper allows them so much more room to manoeuvre (get the things done they want doing).
According to the author (one of the two) all you need is: wit, will and determination. I think you need far more than that.
I still can't believe he (the one of the two) pulled off all that he did.
This is truly amazing and the best book I've ever read. I want more of the same.
I shall pinch a little of Mary's wordology (I don't know if that is a real word): this is 'brilly-squilly'.
September 22, 2025
Captain George Hill is an amazing man and this account of his time in Bolshevik Russia is amazing.
It's thrilling.
At times it is beyond belief (snatching the Romanian Crown Jewels from the Kremlin and taking them back to their rightful owner). That alone is a film.
It's sad.
It fills me with warmth, knowing there are people who will do all they can for those that need a hand and without any desire for recognition.
It's thrilling.
At times it is beyond belief (snatching the Romanian Crown Jewels from the Kremlin and taking them back to their rightful owner). That alone is a film.
It's sad.
It fills me with warmth, knowing there are people who will do all they can for those that need a hand and without any desire for recognition.
May 2, 2020
Graham Hill’s account of his time working for British intelligence during the Great War, with a focus on his time in Russia during 1917-18.
Hill is at the heart of the intrigues in Russia as the Tsar’s fall from power and the Bolsheviks take over. A story that could almost come from the annals of spy fiction, but is in fact true. Hill is an adventurer of the traditional sort, restarting to the use of a sword stick at one point!
Despite the swashbuckling element to the story, what comes across is the enormous complexity of the outcomes Hill and his compatriots were trying to achieve, firstly to keep Russia in the war by helping the Bolshevik regime, then monitoring the German forces withdrawing on the eastern front, to the west, and finally spying on the Bolsheviks in support of the Allied interventions. At times it can be confusing as to whose side he is really on! There is no ego here, this is a man almost matter of dactyl reporting his experiences. The contrast between the main book and the official report annexed in this version is stark!
An important story of courage and devotion to duty at a critical point in European history. Not as famous as Sidney Reilly, but arguably at least as important.
Hill is at the heart of the intrigues in Russia as the Tsar’s fall from power and the Bolsheviks take over. A story that could almost come from the annals of spy fiction, but is in fact true. Hill is an adventurer of the traditional sort, restarting to the use of a sword stick at one point!
Despite the swashbuckling element to the story, what comes across is the enormous complexity of the outcomes Hill and his compatriots were trying to achieve, firstly to keep Russia in the war by helping the Bolshevik regime, then monitoring the German forces withdrawing on the eastern front, to the west, and finally spying on the Bolsheviks in support of the Allied interventions. At times it can be confusing as to whose side he is really on! There is no ego here, this is a man almost matter of dactyl reporting his experiences. The contrast between the main book and the official report annexed in this version is stark!
An important story of courage and devotion to duty at a critical point in European history. Not as famous as Sidney Reilly, but arguably at least as important.
October 3, 2025
Utterly captivating.
December 22, 2021
George Alexander Hill provides excellent accounts of his time growing up in the Middle-East, as well as of his ventures across Eastern Europe, particularly during Imperial Tsarist Russia and its dramatic shift towards what would become the SFSR, and later USSR. It's incredibly detailed, but so detailed that it can become quite dreary for those who are not very interested in the history and politics of that region.
He also talks about his memories in Iran (or 'Persia') and how he stumbled across German and British spies, as well as his travels across the pan-Iranic region with his father, which I really enjoyed - not many western writers have had first-hand experience growing up in that region, and an even smaller number have written about it. It's pleasing to see Hill look back at such ventures positively, and how he highlights particular cities and towns that he had travelled to was quite fascinating as well.
I feel this book is absolutely vital for understanding the turbulent times of early 20th century Europe and particularly the region of Russia and its neighbouring states, as Hill provides remarkable first-hand experience whilst at the heart of many major events that effectively brought about much of what we see in history textbooks.
10/10. Would read again - highly recommend if you're into historical accounts. You will enjoy this very much if you already have a substantial knowledge of Eastern European and Middle-Eastern history and politics.
He also talks about his memories in Iran (or 'Persia') and how he stumbled across German and British spies, as well as his travels across the pan-Iranic region with his father, which I really enjoyed - not many western writers have had first-hand experience growing up in that region, and an even smaller number have written about it. It's pleasing to see Hill look back at such ventures positively, and how he highlights particular cities and towns that he had travelled to was quite fascinating as well.
I feel this book is absolutely vital for understanding the turbulent times of early 20th century Europe and particularly the region of Russia and its neighbouring states, as Hill provides remarkable first-hand experience whilst at the heart of many major events that effectively brought about much of what we see in history textbooks.
10/10. Would read again - highly recommend if you're into historical accounts. You will enjoy this very much if you already have a substantial knowledge of Eastern European and Middle-Eastern history and politics.
April 8, 2016
I admire the brisk, light, clean prose style on display here. Less 'thick' even than that found in the wonderfully airy memoir of his colleague and contemporary in the Russias at the time, Bruce Lockhart. Unlike Lockhart, Hill was not a diplomat nor part of any legation, trade delegation, or mission; he was an unabashed British agent who came from a military background before his posting.
From the first chapter of his own memoir, he openly discusses espionage in general and then starts detailing his own goals specifically, during 1905-1917. He dives right into the tasks he undertook and it's all action and marvelous. Setting up courier routes, establishing bands of saboteurs, organizing spy networks, train-watchers, and safe-houses. Prostitutes and pickpockets. Prizefighters and sabres. Much more 'meat' to chew on here, than Lockhart's fun-but-endless descriptions of upperclass parties and socialites.
One unpleasant note is the rear cover of this edition --which makes all sorts of 'allowances' for what this book is. The blurbs try to 'explain' (to little kiddies?) that yes, there was actually a time before electronic espionage. Come on! Worse, there's a hideously sanctimonious preface offered by the editor, Michael Smith, ('Dialogue Espionage Classics'). This milksop is unsuited for his position. He grovels. He nervously 'excuses' this memoir for not-sounding-PC-enough-to-modern ears. This little old lady edits a series of classic espionage reprints?
The first few pages of what Hill himself, has to say about matters, upbraids Smith: 'peace pacts or no peace pacts, the Intelligence departments of most nations are still prying into each other's secrets'. Just so.
I look forward to a grand read, here.
From the first chapter of his own memoir, he openly discusses espionage in general and then starts detailing his own goals specifically, during 1905-1917. He dives right into the tasks he undertook and it's all action and marvelous. Setting up courier routes, establishing bands of saboteurs, organizing spy networks, train-watchers, and safe-houses. Prostitutes and pickpockets. Prizefighters and sabres. Much more 'meat' to chew on here, than Lockhart's fun-but-endless descriptions of upperclass parties and socialites.
One unpleasant note is the rear cover of this edition --which makes all sorts of 'allowances' for what this book is. The blurbs try to 'explain' (to little kiddies?) that yes, there was actually a time before electronic espionage. Come on! Worse, there's a hideously sanctimonious preface offered by the editor, Michael Smith, ('Dialogue Espionage Classics'). This milksop is unsuited for his position. He grovels. He nervously 'excuses' this memoir for not-sounding-PC-enough-to-modern ears. This little old lady edits a series of classic espionage reprints?
The first few pages of what Hill himself, has to say about matters, upbraids Smith: 'peace pacts or no peace pacts, the Intelligence departments of most nations are still prying into each other's secrets'. Just so.
I look forward to a grand read, here.
April 10, 2022
A hair-raising adventure - for thriller addicts - a must read; and the stuff of legends.
I'll not give too detailed a summary, there are a number of good reviews that set the scene far better than I could, other than to say, this is the personal account written by George Alexander Hill (1892-1968) of his life leading up to his military service during WWI and his work with the British Secret Service in Russia up until late 1918.
I would put money on this not having the slightest of exaggeration: the report he filed for Director, Military Intelligence, War Office, after his return to London is posted as an appendix.
This is real-life nerve-racking-stuff that put me on the edge of my seat: does luck favour the brave?
I read this in one day, I could not put it down.
I am now hunting for more. If you know of other real-life, white-knuckle, tales - do tell.
I'll not give too detailed a summary, there are a number of good reviews that set the scene far better than I could, other than to say, this is the personal account written by George Alexander Hill (1892-1968) of his life leading up to his military service during WWI and his work with the British Secret Service in Russia up until late 1918.
I would put money on this not having the slightest of exaggeration: the report he filed for Director, Military Intelligence, War Office, after his return to London is posted as an appendix.
This is real-life nerve-racking-stuff that put me on the edge of my seat: does luck favour the brave?
I read this in one day, I could not put it down.
I am now hunting for more. If you know of other real-life, white-knuckle, tales - do tell.
September 20, 2023
There is nothing I could add to the many good reviews of this book already presented by other readers. I found this a very good read and wish that the author had published a few more.
April 5, 2025
All I said of Paul Dukes I can say of Captain George Hill. They must have met and I'm sure become friends: they both made it out alive and returned to Britain. It's hard to imagine what it would be like to meet and talk with people of their ilk and how difficult it might be it for them relate to people who will never experienced the like of which they have.
They both show so much compassion for the people terrorised by the upheaval and yet are both so able to combat those they are pitted against.
This is worth reading for many reasons, one reason is the story of how Captain Hill walked into the Kremlin, pocketed the Romanian Crown Jewels and managed to sneak them out of Russia and back to the rightful owners by a little jiggery-mockery with train schedules. First-class and straight out of a boys own mag. They could make a film for that alone.
They both show so much compassion for the people terrorised by the upheaval and yet are both so able to combat those they are pitted against.
This is worth reading for many reasons, one reason is the story of how Captain Hill walked into the Kremlin, pocketed the Romanian Crown Jewels and managed to sneak them out of Russia and back to the rightful owners by a little jiggery-mockery with train schedules. First-class and straight out of a boys own mag. They could make a film for that alone.
August 9, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this eye-witness account of espionage work in Russia during the First World War. Hill's writing is easy, direct, and almost conversational. A bunch of larger than life people, as well as glimpses into the daily life of people just trying to stay alive when their world falls apart, are gripping, harrowing, and exciting in equal measures. For those looking for some firsthand insight into the doings of British Secret Service during the early days of the Russian Revolution, this is a nice start.
March 26, 2023
A rip-roaring tale of determination, loyalty and derring-do. To think that both George Hill and Paul Dukes worked the turf alongside of each other and both managed to survive their exploits is quite amazing.
For anyone who wishes to understand the realities of 'agents in the field' this is a book to read. This, together with, 'Red Dusk and the Morrow', Sir Paul Dukes, gives a taste of true-life espionage.
One doffs one's cap to gentleman: a man of principle, courage and, of course, huge wit.
A real pleasure to read.
For anyone who wishes to understand the realities of 'agents in the field' this is a book to read. This, together with, 'Red Dusk and the Morrow', Sir Paul Dukes, gives a taste of true-life espionage.
One doffs one's cap to gentleman: a man of principle, courage and, of course, huge wit.
A real pleasure to read.
September 2, 2017
This book although a little dry is a wonderful reminder of they way the "Great Game " was played back before Internet, Spy satellites, and Huge agencies devoted entirely to spying upon the enemy and everyone else at times. It takes place during WWI and I am still amazed at what was accomplished by a few with their wits and tenacity. Plus hearing about some of the people you heard about in History
Class (when you were awake) in a different context was quite interesting. It's a good book that does not overly delve into the different whys of the spying at that time either .
Class (when you were awake) in a different context was quite interesting. It's a good book that does not overly delve into the different whys of the spying at that time either .
November 2, 2024
A great, great, great, read; more thrilling history from the thrilling man who is responsible for all the thrilling.
His story took my breath. Flippin' 'eck: they make blockbuster movies with less daredevil escapades than George Hill has experienced.
His story took my breath. Flippin' 'eck: they make blockbuster movies with less daredevil escapades than George Hill has experienced.
August 27, 2018
Entertaining glimpse into a very different world. Stumbled on this at a library book sale and ate it up!
November 25, 2024
Best part was the last chapters lifting the lid on life under the Bolsheviks. The adventures were somewhat repetitive. That said, a great period piece and a good read.
November 9, 2021
This is a historical view of the chaotic conditions that existed in Russia during and after the WWI Bolshevik revolution, as seen through the eyes of a British spy. The author was contemporary with the more famous Sidney Reilly, the 'Ace of Spies.'
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews