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

by Michael Smith

IN this compelling investigation, author Michael Smith explores the critical moment in a spy’s that split-second decision 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 centres on a number of different spies, following the path they took that led, finally, to the point of no return. Were they propelled by personal convictions? Blackmailed and left without a choice? Too desperate for money to think about the consequences? Through in-depth insider knowledge, Michael Smith also uncovers new and unknown cases, including a spy inside ISIS, President Trump’s links with Russia and Edward Snowden’s role as a whistle-blower, to offer compelling psychological portraits 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: History, Nonfiction, Espionage, Psychology, Military Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

Published November 8, 2019

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

[Evelina | AvalinahsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

How I read this: Free ebook copy received through Edelweiss

This was an interesting read. It contains a lot of cool stories about actual (as opposed to fictional!) spies. I didn't know so many true spy stories existed (I mean, that so many were known publicly!)

The book is organized by talking about different kinds of motivation for spies (money, sex, revenge or ego) and it's always illustrated by real examples from history. I found them fascinating, especially the ones about Enigma. To think that there were actually so many spies in history, and that at least some of those wartime movies (not Bond!) is true is incredible. I was surprised to learn that it even mentions resistance organisations, such as the Forest Brothers, who operated in my country as well (counter-Soviet resistance) and worked with various British and French intelligence agents. In the end, the book even goes a little into the 2016 US election dirty tricks and unwitting intelligence agents who may have helped to move it along.

This book was very interesting, but I have to say that sometimes it did bog me down with detail. So it may bore a reader who is less used to, say, reading history books. But if that's your jam, you will certainly enjoy it.

I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.

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[Melisende · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a history of espionage and betrayal, peppered with real stories, predominantly from the 20th century.

Whilst outlining the difference between a spy and an agent, this book explores the motives for espionage under seven main headings, all of which cross over into each other. So why do spies spy: sex, money, tribal loyalty, revenge, control, ideology, compromise, ego, patriotism, adventure or just the right thing to do.

Some of these larger than life characters I was familiar with from prior reading - though not in such detail as provided here. I was particularly interested in wartime espionage and the Cold War, as we moved further closer to our own time, my interest waned a little - but that was just me as I found the "old school" spycraft was more interesting - the human element rather than the current, modern day cybercrime and whistle-blowing (spying from a distance).

If this is your genre, it well worth the read.

[Roxanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superbly written analysis of "Why Spies Spy" - supposedly the "second oldest profession in the world", the author dives into what motivates spies to spy, especially those who would be betraying their countries in doing so. From sexual gratification, money, patriotism, ego to revenge, each motivation had intriguing examples from both WWs and the Cold War to illustrate how understanding why someone would willingly risk death (or at least life in prison if caught) affects how that intelligence would be evaluated.

I found the fantasist examples to be most intriguing. Genuinely believing that they are truly James Bonds of the world, they conjure up fake intelligence which if they were believed would cause even more issues than if they were genuine intelligence.

Highly readable and enjoyable!

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid overview. Perhaps given the placement of the author, it is no surprise that anti-communism shades his perspective throughout, even when the spies in question are providing information to thwart Nazis or Contra death squads.

I question the emphasis on the Russian 'Active Measures' campaign during the 2016 election, which dominates the final chapter. It seems trivial in comparison to everything that is recounted before, its effect is impossible to quantify, and the narrative suits the interests of America's intelligence arms very neatly.

[Mike Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 of 2024: When I first wanted to read about spies, it was probably because I wanted to find out if there was a real OO agent designation in MI6.

What I actually got with “The Anatomy of a Spy” by Michael Smith is the story of why spies spy. (the answer: Love, money, patriotism, risk, adventure, revenge, compulsion, doing the right thing as they see it).

As a lifelong fan of anything espionage-y, this book was a great reference for things I’d kind of already known and things I didn’t. #2024readingchallenge

[Mina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and rich with information. However, it seemed very descriptive with more emphasis on giving data than offering intelligent discussions. I enjoyed it, though. Recommended for a train reading after a busy day.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always been a sucker for spy stories -- from the campy Mission Impossible and James Bond to well-worn copies of cold war classics, to the depiction of the distrust between the Soviets and United State in television's The Americans. In The Anatomy of a Spy, the author goes beyond cloak and dagger to what motivates those who choose to spy for – or against – their country and those who feel they have no choice. It’s a fascinating, well-researched book for fans of the spy genre, whether fiction or true life. I received this Advanced Reader Copy of The Anatomy of a Spy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great explanation of spying with excellent examples from the 20th and early 21st century. Probably everyone should read this book to understand the current Russian disinformation campaigns, and how they work, recruiting unwitting agents. (As I write this there is group of pacifists receiving enough funding for full page ads in the Regina and Saskatoon dailies, asking Canada to quit NATO, stop funding the war mongers etc.. Three guesses where the ultimate source of their funding is.)

[LJ Lombos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spycraft 101 tells us that people are driven by four main reasons for betraying their country: money, ideology, compromise, or ego (MICE for short). In this book, however, Smith explored other unassuming motives: sex, patriotism, adventure, and revenge, to name a few. This is an enjoyable read filled with stories of known and lesser-known figures and what compelled them to become spies instead of simply retelling their escapades as it is.

[Eric Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is basically what most people think or know about spies in general. It's a factual book and offers some good scenarios in order to write for your story, should you choose to. It's well researched and a good read.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very readable history of some infamous and fascinating characters.

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

1/13/2020 Full review tk on CriminalElement.com.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read of many true stories of espionage, spies, handlers & agents. The incentives to become a spy are varied, which are explained in great detail.

[Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and sourced book on the various motivations behind espionage betrayals. It is not as simple as one would think concerning motivations. Gives a better understanding of the use of Penkovsky's information during the Cuban Missile Crisis as well as more detail into the recruitment and tradecraft used by Montes. There are also age old stories with newer details. Finally an excellent summary of the active measures by the Russians on the 2016 election.