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Berlin: A Spy's Guide to its Cold War History in Story and Image
The City of Spies
Many cities have laid claim to the title City of Spies—Vienna, London, Moscow, even Miami. But no city has earned it more than Berlin.
From the rubble of World War II to the razor’s edge of the Cold War, Berlin became the epicenter of a secret war fought in the shadows. Divided, occupied, and deeply contested, the city was home to the world's most elite intelligence operatives. American, Soviet, British, French, East and West German services—and even terrorist and revolutionary factions like the Red Army Faction and the PLO—turned Berlin into a vast chessboard of espionage, deception, and covert operations.
In A Spy's Guide to its Cold War History in Story and Image, former Green Beret and intelligence officer James Stejskal delivers a gripping, photo-rich guide to the key players, locations, missions, and betrayals that defined Cold War Berlin. Part travelogue, part historical dossier, this book is your gateway to understanding how the Cold War was really fought—and why Berlin remains the most spy-saturated city on Earth.
History. Intrigue. Secrets.
Welcome to Berlin, the City of Spies.
** This is a fixed-format ebook, and so is not compatible with all e-reader. The best user experience can be had by reading with a tablet or desktop computer.
Many cities have laid claim to the title City of Spies—Vienna, London, Moscow, even Miami. But no city has earned it more than Berlin.
From the rubble of World War II to the razor’s edge of the Cold War, Berlin became the epicenter of a secret war fought in the shadows. Divided, occupied, and deeply contested, the city was home to the world's most elite intelligence operatives. American, Soviet, British, French, East and West German services—and even terrorist and revolutionary factions like the Red Army Faction and the PLO—turned Berlin into a vast chessboard of espionage, deception, and covert operations.
In A Spy's Guide to its Cold War History in Story and Image, former Green Beret and intelligence officer James Stejskal delivers a gripping, photo-rich guide to the key players, locations, missions, and betrayals that defined Cold War Berlin. Part travelogue, part historical dossier, this book is your gateway to understanding how the Cold War was really fought—and why Berlin remains the most spy-saturated city on Earth.
History. Intrigue. Secrets.
Welcome to Berlin, the City of Spies.
** This is a fixed-format ebook, and so is not compatible with all e-reader. The best user experience can be had by reading with a tablet or desktop computer.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
James Stejskal
15 books52 followersJames Stejskal spent 35 years as a soldier and intelligence officer working in far off places with interesting people, which gives him inspiration for his writing.
As a novelist, he writes 'the Snake Eater Chronicles' tales of Cold War special operations and espionage carried out by an eclectic band of Green Berets.
He also is a military historian and author of "Special Forces Berlin" and "Masters of Mayhem," a study of Lawrence of Arabia and the inception of modern British unconventional warfare, a Military History Matters Silver Medal winner.
As a novelist, he writes 'the Snake Eater Chronicles' tales of Cold War special operations and espionage carried out by an eclectic band of Green Berets.
He also is a military historian and author of "Special Forces Berlin" and "Masters of Mayhem," a study of Lawrence of Arabia and the inception of modern British unconventional warfare, a Military History Matters Silver Medal winner.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 19, 2025
James Stejskal’s “Berlin: A Spy’s Guide to its Cold War History in Story and Image” delivers an engrossing foray into the shadowy world of espionage that defined Berlin during the Cold War era. Fusing narrative storytelling with striking imagery, Stejskal, himself a veteran of US Army Special Forces and the CIA, is uniquely positioned to unravel the secrets embedded in Berlin’s war-torn streets. His background infuses the account with authenticity and a nuanced appreciation for the historical terrain. Berlin, a city once cleaved by ideology and barbed wire, was a playground—and battlefield—for spies from the East and West. Stejskal meticulously charts the city’s transformation from World War II’s ruin to the epicenter of 20th-century intelligence operations. Readers are guided through pivotal landmarks such as Friedrichstraße Bahnhof, Checkpoint Charlie, and shadowy back alleys used by clandestine operatives. The book excels at blending personal stories with historical context, giving life to the anonymous figures who shaped the fate of nations. What distinguishes Stejskal’s guide is its use of evocative images alongside gripping text, immersing readers in the atmosphere of paranoia, bravery, and betrayal. Photos, archival documents, and maps bridge the gap between past and present, inviting readers to walk the same paths once threaded by agents of the CIA, KGB, Stasi, and MI6. These visual elements are more than illustrative—they are integral, making history tangible and immediate. For both scholars and casual enthusiasts, the book delivers accessible yet detailed analysis on Cold War operations, city geography, and the intertwining of intelligence and politics. Coverage of forgotten missions and the mechanics behind legendary spycraft—dead drops, disguises, coded exchanges—are enriched by firsthand insights. Stejskal also ensures the lessons extend beyond mere intrigue, showing the tensions and realities ordinary Berliners faced in a divided city. “Berlin: A Spy’s Guide” is an essential companion for any traveler, historian, or espionage aficionado. By combining vivid imagery with expert storytelling, the book provides not just a guide to Cold War Berlin, but a compelling window into the stakes and stories that made the city a crucible of spy history.
Displaying 1 of 1 review