The Anatomy of a Traitor: A History of Espionage and Betrayal

by Michael Smith

What makes someone betray their country, their friends, everything they have been brought up to value? This book will focus on the critical moment in a spy’s life: that split-second when they decide to embrace a double life; to cheat and hide and hurt; to risk disgrace – even death – without any guarantee of being rewarded or even recognised. Each chapter will centre on a different spy, following the path they took that lead, finally, to their treachery. Were they propelled by personal convictions? Blackmailed and left without a choice? Too desperate for money to think about the consequences? It will offer a compelling psychological portrait of these men and women, homing unerringly on the fault-lines and shady corners of their characters, their weaknesses and their strengths, the lies they tell other people, and the lies they always end up telling themselves.

Genres: Psychology, Military Fiction, History

320 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 2017

About the author

There is more than one Michael Smith in the database.

Michael Smith is a British author and screenwriter who specializes in spies and espionage.

Source: Wikipedia.

Reviews

[Dellebeke · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A book with great stories from the beginning of espionage until the current activities around the 45th president of the United States. Well documented and supported by the personal opinions of former intelligence officers."

[Jackie Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever wonder why spies become spies? Do they all end up as double agents? Do they all defect? Get some answers in this book. Was interesting with good research on the author's part. Was quite detailed which bogged me down at times, but had some insight never contemplated. Thanks to Goodreads.

[Ginny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although not a fan of spy novels, this was an interesting read.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting topic, but the book read like a thesis. It was not engaging at all - I couldn't motivate myself to finish it.

[Billhotto · Rating 3 out of 5]

A study of the reasons people are willing to risk their lives or freedom to betray their country, government or cause. Chief reasons are money, sex and love, revenge, resentment, patriotism, ideology, ego, excitement, fantasy and the need to do the right thing as one sees it. From Sidney Reilly to the Cambridge Five to Oleg Penkovsky to Aldrich Ames and Robert Hansen the motives are complicated. Money is the simplest, but often unreliable. Patriotism is the most sure, think of people in occupied countries in WW II. Of course, one man's traitor is another man's hero. Intelligence agencies can't afford to be sentimental, but it's vital for a spy's control to maintain a personal touch. The "Joe" needs constant reassurance of the value of their activity and appreciation of their efforts. Talent spotters identify possible spies, often begin small then gradually increase demands. Whatever their original motives, the new spy is soon too entangled to get out. However, many of the best spies are walk-ins, who volunteer their services. Often they are at first rejected as "danglers", potential double agents. To make up a profile of a potential traitor one important factor is a candidate's relationship with their father. It may not be a good idea to entrust national secrets to someone who resents authority.
Human intel remains vital even in the Internet Age. Hard targets, defense and national security computers, can often be hacked only if someone on the ground passes along the way in. Terrorists move around and usually avoid communication devices. Chatter needs context. There will be a need for people who can be seduced, bribed,volunteer or are duped into revealing a country's closely held secrets.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting topic, but the book read like a thesis. It was not engaging at all - I couldn't motivate myself to finish it.