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Kim Philby: The Unknown Story of the KGB's Master Spy
Kim Philby, the so-called Third Man in the Cambridge spy ring, was one of the Cold War's most infamous traitors. He was a Soviet spy at the heart of British intelligence, joining Britain's secret service, MI6, during the war, rising to become head of the section tasked with rooting out Russian spies and then head of liaison with the CIA. Philby betrayed hundreds of British and US agents to the Russians and compromised numerous operations inside the Soviet Union. Protected by friends within MI6 who could not believe the service's rising star was a traitor, he was eventually dismissed in 1951, but continued to work for the service surreptitiously until his defection in 1963. His admission of guilt caused profound embarrassment to the British government of the day and its intelligence service, from which neither fully recovered. Tim Milne, Philby's close friend since childhood and recruited by him into MI6 to be his deputy, has left us a memoir that provides the final and most authoritative word on the enduring and fascinating story of Kim Philby the legendary Soviet master spy. It is a riveting read, with new detail on Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean, two other members of the Cambridge spy ring, and on Konstantin Volkov, the would-be KGB defector who was betrayed by Philby, one of several hundred people who died as a direct result of Philby's treachery. Tim Milne retired from SIS in October 1968 and never spoke publicly of his friendship with Kim Philby.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 27, 2014
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157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 26, 2017
Because of the time required to craft a full review for every book I read, I've fallen into the habit of just leaving a star rating and tip-toeing off to some other corner of the Internet. This book, though. This demands more effort.
I was absolutely delighted to discover this on the literary espionage table at Blackwell's (yes, there is a literary espionage table. That's why I love Blackwell's). I've been meaning to read up on the Kim Philby story ever since I developed my obsession with "Tinker Tailor." This book seemed particularly intriguing because it was written by a close friend of Philby. Though the fact the manuscript was suppressed for several decades by British intelligence also contributed to my enthusiasm.
I think I was reaching the halfway point in "Kim Philby" when I started to wonder when Milne was going to start telling the story. I think I was two thirds through when I realized the answer is "never."
Tim Milne's key mistake is assuming that because he followed the Philby case closely and read every related book and newspaper article, his readers have clearly done the same. This is a common problem in history books. Normally it causes authors to write in an inaccessible manner, because they assume their readers have a good grounding in the subject. In Milne's case, it means he decides not to tell the story, because you no doubt know it already.
I can't tell how many times Milne writes something like "Things got particularly dicey for Kim when a Russian defector threatened to divulge the name of a top British mole. This led to a very interesting game in Istanbul which, since it is covered so thoroughly in the Philby literature, doesn't need to be discussed here." This happens dozens of times throughout "Kim Philby." He breezes over all the pertinent parts of the story and instead fills the manuscript with the minutiae of his trips with Kim through the Balkans. And those of use who haven't read all the Philby literature... well we're just out of luck.
Milne manages to write a book on Kim Philby without explaining what Philby even did. I was horrified when I reached the chapter when Philby defects to Russia- since I hadn't received any information on Philby's actual espionage, I had thought Milne was spending an exceptionally long time setting up the story. Milne discusses the sexuality and alcoholism of fellow mole Guy Burgess, but does such a poor job explaining his significance that I didn't even realize Guy Burgess was a mole at all.
I might have been more forgiving of this book if it had eschewed the deeds of Kim Philby for a detailed psychological portrait of the man. Instead, Milne lets us see him through glimpses. The book is a tedious compilation of social interactions. Milne and Philby get a drink. Milne and Philby go to a party. Milne and Philby drink a few more times. Philby suddenly flees to Russia and Milne is quite perplexed.
This book is useful only for Philby nuts who want fact-checking on a few details.
I was absolutely delighted to discover this on the literary espionage table at Blackwell's (yes, there is a literary espionage table. That's why I love Blackwell's). I've been meaning to read up on the Kim Philby story ever since I developed my obsession with "Tinker Tailor." This book seemed particularly intriguing because it was written by a close friend of Philby. Though the fact the manuscript was suppressed for several decades by British intelligence also contributed to my enthusiasm.
I think I was reaching the halfway point in "Kim Philby" when I started to wonder when Milne was going to start telling the story. I think I was two thirds through when I realized the answer is "never."
Tim Milne's key mistake is assuming that because he followed the Philby case closely and read every related book and newspaper article, his readers have clearly done the same. This is a common problem in history books. Normally it causes authors to write in an inaccessible manner, because they assume their readers have a good grounding in the subject. In Milne's case, it means he decides not to tell the story, because you no doubt know it already.
I can't tell how many times Milne writes something like "Things got particularly dicey for Kim when a Russian defector threatened to divulge the name of a top British mole. This led to a very interesting game in Istanbul which, since it is covered so thoroughly in the Philby literature, doesn't need to be discussed here." This happens dozens of times throughout "Kim Philby." He breezes over all the pertinent parts of the story and instead fills the manuscript with the minutiae of his trips with Kim through the Balkans. And those of use who haven't read all the Philby literature... well we're just out of luck.
Milne manages to write a book on Kim Philby without explaining what Philby even did. I was horrified when I reached the chapter when Philby defects to Russia- since I hadn't received any information on Philby's actual espionage, I had thought Milne was spending an exceptionally long time setting up the story. Milne discusses the sexuality and alcoholism of fellow mole Guy Burgess, but does such a poor job explaining his significance that I didn't even realize Guy Burgess was a mole at all.
I might have been more forgiving of this book if it had eschewed the deeds of Kim Philby for a detailed psychological portrait of the man. Instead, Milne lets us see him through glimpses. The book is a tedious compilation of social interactions. Milne and Philby get a drink. Milne and Philby go to a party. Milne and Philby drink a few more times. Philby suddenly flees to Russia and Milne is quite perplexed.
This book is useful only for Philby nuts who want fact-checking on a few details.
September 9, 2021
Eh. I had a look at the previous reviews for this book and noticed a few complaints about how it relied very heavily on previous knowledge of Philby's story, and did little to elaborate for those readers who might be picking this up with average or limited knowledge. It certainly did that, but as somebody intimately acquainted with the story of Philby's life, career, and betrayal, I naturally didn't notice this as much. Perhaps, I thought, this book might be better suited for people who were already knowledgeable, and were simply trying to round out their knowledge?
Well, as one of those people, I can say it still doesn't quite cut it. There are some sections about Philby where there was new information presented -- trivia about his life which I enjoy, and it was interesting to learn. This was almost exclusively in the early sections, about Philby's young adulthood. These pieces of information are good, but a whole book they do not make. I can safely say that Milne also goes into great detail about the context and history of the various departments and work assignments he was involved with, in stark contrast to how he skips over large chunks of Philby's life -- but as somebody also intimately acquainted with the history of SIS, with the time period in questions, and with Soviet history in general, I found it insanely boring. All of the historical facts were ones I knew well, and it quickly became clear that nothing new was added. I skim-read whole chapters of this book because it was all things I was well aware of.
To be fair, another reader might get something out of Milne's more analytical chapters, where he examines Philby's case and tries to work out just what influenced it, and the truth behind what happened. I personally found it ill-fitting of the book. This was supposed to be a story of the author's friendship with Philby, but most of the time where Philby was mentioned, it was in the context of either well-known facts or, as in the case of these analytical chapters, Milne struggling to make sense of the whole thing. These passages would have been better suited to a private journal than a book. It was almost uncomfortable watching Milne try to explain things and going back and forth arguing with himself -- as I said, other readers might enjoy this, but I did not.
The fact of the matter is that Philby was very often completely out of Milne's life, as they often went years and years without seeing or communicating with one another. It seems that everybody working even remotely close to Philby's circle at this time seems to reckon themselves an intimate friend of his, but I think they might be overselling it. Combine this with the fact that Philby was an intensely private person -- even his own autobiography is short on the details, and I believe it would have been so even without the KGB peering over his shoulder as he wrote it -- and what you're left with in a majority of these books are a few anecdotes, a lot of commonly known filler, and the same back-and-forth over why Philby did what he did. I do not find that question particularly interesting. I'm much more fascinated by the fact that Philby did do it, and there is no forthcoming information. The kind of man who can do something like this and keep his reasons close, never swaying from his conviction, is far more fascinating than the speculation of a bunch of old colleagues could ever be.
This was alright for some interesting trivia, and to say that you've crossed off another book on the extensive list of books about this subject. It's really not great for anything else.
Well, as one of those people, I can say it still doesn't quite cut it. There are some sections about Philby where there was new information presented -- trivia about his life which I enjoy, and it was interesting to learn. This was almost exclusively in the early sections, about Philby's young adulthood. These pieces of information are good, but a whole book they do not make. I can safely say that Milne also goes into great detail about the context and history of the various departments and work assignments he was involved with, in stark contrast to how he skips over large chunks of Philby's life -- but as somebody also intimately acquainted with the history of SIS, with the time period in questions, and with Soviet history in general, I found it insanely boring. All of the historical facts were ones I knew well, and it quickly became clear that nothing new was added. I skim-read whole chapters of this book because it was all things I was well aware of.
To be fair, another reader might get something out of Milne's more analytical chapters, where he examines Philby's case and tries to work out just what influenced it, and the truth behind what happened. I personally found it ill-fitting of the book. This was supposed to be a story of the author's friendship with Philby, but most of the time where Philby was mentioned, it was in the context of either well-known facts or, as in the case of these analytical chapters, Milne struggling to make sense of the whole thing. These passages would have been better suited to a private journal than a book. It was almost uncomfortable watching Milne try to explain things and going back and forth arguing with himself -- as I said, other readers might enjoy this, but I did not.
The fact of the matter is that Philby was very often completely out of Milne's life, as they often went years and years without seeing or communicating with one another. It seems that everybody working even remotely close to Philby's circle at this time seems to reckon themselves an intimate friend of his, but I think they might be overselling it. Combine this with the fact that Philby was an intensely private person -- even his own autobiography is short on the details, and I believe it would have been so even without the KGB peering over his shoulder as he wrote it -- and what you're left with in a majority of these books are a few anecdotes, a lot of commonly known filler, and the same back-and-forth over why Philby did what he did. I do not find that question particularly interesting. I'm much more fascinated by the fact that Philby did do it, and there is no forthcoming information. The kind of man who can do something like this and keep his reasons close, never swaying from his conviction, is far more fascinating than the speculation of a bunch of old colleagues could ever be.
This was alright for some interesting trivia, and to say that you've crossed off another book on the extensive list of books about this subject. It's really not great for anything else.
February 10, 2021
I gave this book 3 stars because I liked it. I'm explaining that because Goodreads states that 4 or 5 stars means you "loved it" or "couldn't put it down". That's hyperbole. I liked the book, although it seems to me that 3 stars should only mean "OK".
Anyway, the book was well written and interesting, although not exactly what I was expecting.
Tim Milne was good friends with Kim Philby from school boy days. He describes his personal interactions with and impressions of Philby from a teenager to adulthood. Milne makes it clear that after they graduated from college, they were no longer on intimate terms, although they became good friends again later after they had gotten married and started working in Special Services together.
Milne also makes it clear that he had no idea Philby was a Soviet Agent until he defected to the Soviet Union. He writes this memoir as an older person looking back and trying to make sense of what Philby did what he did and why. Milne does not know when Philby was approached by the Soviets, and he freely admits he can only give educated guess as to the time, which he figures to be when Stalin and the Allied nations were cooperating to defeat Hitler.
At the end Milne tries to explain as much to himself as his audience why Philby made the choices he did in choosing to betray his own country. He also wants to clear his own name, which at one time was implicated as a possible spy as well.
Because all of the information of this book was classified, it was only published in the last ten years, after Milne died.
If I had known that this book was going to be from a limited viewpoint, I would have read a biography of Kim Philby first. I suggest anyone interested in reading about him would do the same.
Anyway, the book was well written and interesting, although not exactly what I was expecting.
Tim Milne was good friends with Kim Philby from school boy days. He describes his personal interactions with and impressions of Philby from a teenager to adulthood. Milne makes it clear that after they graduated from college, they were no longer on intimate terms, although they became good friends again later after they had gotten married and started working in Special Services together.
Milne also makes it clear that he had no idea Philby was a Soviet Agent until he defected to the Soviet Union. He writes this memoir as an older person looking back and trying to make sense of what Philby did what he did and why. Milne does not know when Philby was approached by the Soviets, and he freely admits he can only give educated guess as to the time, which he figures to be when Stalin and the Allied nations were cooperating to defeat Hitler.
At the end Milne tries to explain as much to himself as his audience why Philby made the choices he did in choosing to betray his own country. He also wants to clear his own name, which at one time was implicated as a possible spy as well.
Because all of the information of this book was classified, it was only published in the last ten years, after Milne died.
If I had known that this book was going to be from a limited viewpoint, I would have read a biography of Kim Philby first. I suggest anyone interested in reading about him would do the same.
December 22, 2019
An interesting middle section about the inner workings of the the counter intelligence service in the 40s (if you are interested in that sort of thing), but largely I got the impression that there must be better books about Kim Philby out there. The writer knew him personally, and seems happy to dismiss some widely purported theories about Philby, seemingly on the basis that it doesn't fit with his impression, rather that using any evidence, even anecdotal, to back up his point, rather undermining him as a narrator. That did add something to the book as it lead to me questioning his motives for writing, including certain sections in detail and skimming over others etc., but not a particularly good account if facts, facts, facts are what you are after.
March 23, 2024
Did not learn anything new about Kim Philby here...
The author provides a narrative of one of the most notorious double agents in history. Tim Milne, Philby's close friend and fellow intelligence officer, offers insights into Philby's life, detailing his rise through the ranks of British intelligence while secretly working for the KGB. The author unravels the complexities of Philby's espionage activities, revealing the extent of his betrayal and the profound impact it had on international relations. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in Cold War history and the shadowy world of espionage.
The author provides a narrative of one of the most notorious double agents in history. Tim Milne, Philby's close friend and fellow intelligence officer, offers insights into Philby's life, detailing his rise through the ranks of British intelligence while secretly working for the KGB. The author unravels the complexities of Philby's espionage activities, revealing the extent of his betrayal and the profound impact it had on international relations. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in Cold War history and the shadowy world of espionage.
January 12, 2022
Lifelong pal is a Russian spy and I didn’t know
Interesting take on philby, author does not explain why he never caught on to him. Milne does not seem to have any capacity for self reflection, ( if he is such an accomplished intelligence agent, why did he not catch on to his best friend operating as a Soviet mole) or omits these self reflections, which considerably lessens the value of the book.
Interesting take on philby, author does not explain why he never caught on to him. Milne does not seem to have any capacity for self reflection, ( if he is such an accomplished intelligence agent, why did he not catch on to his best friend operating as a Soviet mole) or omits these self reflections, which considerably lessens the value of the book.
April 29, 2021
I’ve been reading a few books about Kim Philby lately - including his autobiography. This book by Tim Milne is great for filling in the gaps and correcting some of the things said by Philby. I think as a stand alone read into Kim Philby, this book is a little lacking when it comes to Philby’s spying. Otherwise it’s an excellent read.
I can recommend Spycatcher by Peter Wright and A Spy Among Friends for some more information around The Cambridge Five and Kim Philby.
I can recommend Spycatcher by Peter Wright and A Spy Among Friends for some more information around The Cambridge Five and Kim Philby.
September 20, 2019
Not a great read. The author seems more interested in telling his readers about life with Philby at university rather than spying which is what I wanted to hear about.
Many times throughout the text the author tells us that there is no point in going into a particular story because other authors have already written about it!
Disappointing read.
Many times throughout the text the author tells us that there is no point in going into a particular story because other authors have already written about it!
Disappointing read.
July 11, 2021
Tim Milne had no idea one of his best friends was a spy for the Soviet Union. Philby apparently did not drink excessively until he was in his 40s. People drank a lot during the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. That is about all this book discloses.
February 23, 2022
If you know anything about Kim Philby, this book won’t give you anymore information that you don’t already know. A more appropriate title for this book is, “The Autobiography of Tim Milne” and it’s not very exciting
July 24, 2023
This was very well-written and entertaining, but if you're looking for an introduction to the Philby affair, then it's not the place to start. Would be a great read after reading more general overviews.
October 12, 2021
This was definitely a skim - style was easy, just way too many characters.
May 24, 2019
An enjoyable, very readable, once-banned memoir of working in Britain's SIS (MI6) in the 1940s and 50s by a friend and colleague of the traitor Kim Philly. Because it is a memoir, the canvas is necessarily narrow, largely limited to the author's own experiences and knowledge. It lacks the breadth of Ben Macintyre's A Spy Among Friends, but there are interesting insights that differ from the generally-accepted and second-hand versions of events. The author is much kinder about the abilities of Felix Cowgill, Philby's old boss and head of Section V (SIS counter-intelligence), for example. There's more detail about SIS's internal structure and activities, too. Milne brings a common sense approach to some of the wilder notions about what Philby did and didn't do as well as being very sensible about some of the more exaggerated accounts of the damage Philby wrought to Anglo-US relations. What did seem a little surprising to me, unless I missed them, were the minimal references to Nicholas Elliot, probably Philby's closest friend, and someone deeply hurt, indeed stunned and outraged, by the latter's betrayal. In describing the defection of Abwehr officers in Istanbul during World War, Milne seems to make no mention of the then 26-year-old Elliot, who, in a stunning coup triggered the process that led to the disintegration of the entire German service worldwide and its takeover by the Nazi Party's rather ineffectual SD. The author himself seems strangely phlegmatic and unaffected by Kilby's betrayal and defection. Perhaps it's just a case of the stiff-upper-lip.
March 16, 2015
The career of a Soviet spy, who was a high ranking British intelligence officer, is recounted by one of his friends.
I found this book to be very patchy - some chapters, such as those dealing with the early years and the investigation in to the spy, were interesting but much of the writing was confusing. At the end I didn’t feel that I gained any knowledge of the man or the outcomes of his actions.
I found this book to be very patchy - some chapters, such as those dealing with the early years and the investigation in to the spy, were interesting but much of the writing was confusing. At the end I didn’t feel that I gained any knowledge of the man or the outcomes of his actions.
September 26, 2015
An informative enough book, if a bit too reliant on other sources which the reader may not have familiarity with.
October 14, 2015
Interesting book about spying and betrayal of friends
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews