Spy Book: The Encyclopedia of Espionage

by Thomas B. Allen, Norman Polmar

From the earliest use of the word "spy" to the latest revelations in the Aldrich Ames case and the post-Cold War reorganization of Russian intelligence apparatus, Spy Book is the most comprehensive single reference to the underground world of spies, coded messages and intrigue.

Contains over 2,000 alphabetical entries on the real and fictional people, agencies, operations, tradecraft and tools that make up the clandestine world of espionage.

Illustrated with over 70 photographs and drawings of famous spies, codes, hardware and more

Based on previously unavailable archives, including the recently opened KGB files

Genres: Reference, History, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Psychology, Espionage

672 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

About the author

Thomas B. Allen's writings range from articles for National Geographic Magazine to books on espionage and military history.
He is the father of Roger MacBride Allen.

Reviews

[Eugene Miya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little weak on a few topics like the CSE in Canada.

So a colleague married into one of the agencies written about. It's more kind of like a dictionary. In fact wikipedia might help a lot in these days. So I asked friend's spouse at the time the book came out what entry I should check for? And so I found it. Interesting choice.

Probably an OK book for what I read. I gave away as a gift to various friends along with other books.

Don't expect much in the way of fiction in it.

[Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but you need the Encyclopedia of Cold War Espionage, Spies and Secret Operations" by Richard C.S. Trahair and Robert L. Miller as well to get the complete picture

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Norman Polmar's Spy Book: The Encyclopedia of Espionage is exactly what it sounds like. Arranged from A to Z, this wonderful reference book contains more than 2000 entries covering all the basics of intelligence and spycraft. This is a wonderful reference tool for anyone reading, writing or just learning about espionage. The only catch is that it is somewhat out of date, and assuming you already know a lot about the CIA, you may find yourself noticing things completely absent from this encyclopedia. As well, obsessive readers of CIA & espionage history will note a decidedly one-sided view of the Golitsyn / Nosenko affair in this reference guide, which implies that the book's version of espionage history may also be one-sided.

NC

[Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So you want to know something about Anthony Burgess, Kim Philby, Ian Fleming, this book will have it. It's a thorough review and study regarding world espionage and spying, and its weight will testify to its thoroughness because it's a door stop. Want to know the difference between DIA and CIA, you might start here. MY copy is thoroughly browsed.

[Angela Reeves · Rating 1 out of 5]

dull