The Secret History of World War II: Spies, Code Breakers, and Covert Operations

by Stephen G. Hyslop, Neil Kagan

From spy missions to code breaking, this richly illustrated account of the covert operations of World War II takes readers behind the battle lines and deep into the undercover war effort that changed the course of history.From the authors who created Eyewitness to World War II and numerous other best-selling illustrated reference books, this is the shocking story behind the covert activity that shaped the outcome of one of the worlds greatest conflictsand the destiny of millions of people. National Geographics landmark book illuminates World War II as never before by taking you inside the secret lives of spies and spymasters; secret agents and secret armies; Enigma machines and code breakers; psychological warfare and black propaganda; secret weapons and secret battle strategies. Seven heavily illustrated narrative chapters reveal the truth behind the lies and deception that shaped the secret war; eight essays showcase hundreds of rare photos and artifacts (many never before seen); and more than fifty specially created sidebars tell the stories of spies and secret operations.Renowned historian and top-selling author Stephen Hyslop and Neil Kagan reveal this little-known side of the war in captivating detail, weaving in extraordinary eyewitness accounts and information only recently declassified. Rare photographs, artifacts, and illuminating graphics enrich this absorbing reference.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Military Fiction

Audiobook

Published November 1, 2016

About the author

Stephen G. Hyslop worked for many years as a writer and editor at Time-Life Books, where he contributed to a series of books on American Indians.

Reviews

[Ipsita Gochhayat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talks of some of the most obscure operations from World War II. It made for a very entertaining read (listen) on Audible. It discusses some specific operations along with print and radio propaganda that were key to deception techniques on both sides of the war. Most interesting portions of the book:

- The operation & incidents that lead to sinking of Yamamoto, the largest battleship of World War II
- An Operation that used a body to impersonate a British soldier with papers to deceive Axis troops into believing that Allied troops targeted to land in Sardinia instead of Corsica. This had a serious impact on mobilization of troops by Axis forces
- the famous Manhattan Project & Oppenheimer's role in it

[Carolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting details about WW II, broken down into small segments about the most significant events and people who played a role in those years, from spy networks to resistance fighters, prominent leaders and developments that changed the course of history in general.

[Charles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really a comprehensive narrative, just a blurb about a series of artifacts. I can't think of a context - even a museum - where this would be engaging. Maybe useful as a reference but would skip it as a book.

[Priyank Kulshreshtha · Rating 5 out of 5]

However much one reads about the WW2, the perspective remains incomplete without looking at the impact the shadow war had on powers of both sides. Somewhere between a documentary and a thriller, still at the sweet spot. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

[Bruce Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather uninspired recitation of facts related to spies and espionage in WWII. I take no issue with the contents, but it reads like a high school textbook. It gets 4 stars only because I rounded up.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great overview of the spies and code breakers from WW II. I had read in depth about several of the people mentioned in this book, but it was good to get an overview. More breadth than depth.

[Roberta Westwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting stories not found elsewhere

I admit I almost bailed after the first five minutes as the narration was a bit too monotone for me, but I kept listening because the content was of such interest. After awhile I stopped noticing the narration, it seemed fine. Great book if you are interested in WWII deception techniques.