International Spy Museum: The Handbook of Practical Spying

by Jack Barth

The mind is the only weapon that a spy is guaranteed to discharge on a daily basis. If you can adopt the principles described in this book, you will be better prepared to counter the razor-sharp hats of hassle that the Odd Jobs of the world are continually flinging at you. It's the first step in learning how to think like a spy.

In today's world, information is everything and no one knows how to gather information more effectively than spies. So why not use the information and techniques developed by real spies in your everyday life? The Handbook of Practical Spying shows you how. Get into the mind-set of spies, and learn the cardinal rule: how to deal with the unexpected.

Spies have honed the ability to assess a situation, depend on their intuition and knowledge, and react effectively. Learn how to apply spy knowledge to situations in your own life, from how to hide valuables in your home, to how to shake a tail if you are being followed on a dark street. Learn how to avoid carjacking, pickpockets, and how to protect yourself from identity theft.

The same tactics used by CIA and KGB agents can also be used in less serious situations-and these techniques can work in surprising ways. Planning a surprise birthday party for someone special? Learn how to create a cover story. Real spies know the tricks and what can give your cover away. A spy must master many skills, and is only as good as what he or she sees and understands. Observe and Analyze, Avoid Capture, Use Disguises, and Analyze Threats. These are all things that can help you in daily applications.

The book is presented by International Spy Museum director and ex-CIA operative Peter Earnest, and filled with useful information gathered by the Spy Museum's team of experts. There are sections on how to be safe in your home or when traveling. Tips on child safety, and how to tell if someone is lying. There is a rundown on how to react if terrorism strikes: what do you do if a dirty bomb goes off near you?

Sprinkled with quotes from Sun Tzu's The Art of War that are as relevant today as they were when written 2500 years ago, this books teaches in wry and pithy text the cardinal tenet of his writing, "There is nowhere you cannot put spies to good use."

The Handbook of Practical Spying features illustrated step-by-step instructions on real-life spy techniques and their practical, positive applications. The authors also share real-life stories about how these tactics have been employed by professional spies all over the world. Featuring 40 2-color line drawings, illustrating spy techniques, and a bulleted text for easy access to the information.

Genres: Espionage, Nonfiction, Reference, Psychology, Mystery

192 pages, Paperback

First published July 6, 2004

Reviews

[Edward Guillaume · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little spy book has taught me to be the spy I am today. No more having to fall through the cracks of the spy game as I fall in love for the decoys. Now I'm able to spot them and numerous other threats while I retrieve the valuable information I need to stay alive. Step aside Mr. Bond...

[Bryan Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up from the gift shop at the International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. (the museum published the book) mostly because it looked interesting. So I was pleasantly surprised to find that the text was written by Jack Barth, whose work – especially Roadside America – I’ve enjoyed in the past. His sarcastic wit does much to carry what might otherwise have been a somewhat dry beginner’s guide to spying. I liked the concept – how to apply spy techniques to everyday problems – the art, and of course the writing. The typesetting left something to be desired, but bad layout is a small price to pay for something this entertaining and in spots actually somewhat useful. As random souvenirs go, this one was quite a find.

[Geri Hoekz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought a copy of this book after a visit to the International Spy Museum in Washington DC. The museum has turned out to be my favorite destination in DC, which is full of amazing places to visit. The title mentions spying but it's actually a book about reading people.

[PoligirlReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and informative read! This should not be confused as hard-core research or an in-depth overview of gov't organizations that spy. But it's a nice way to learn the basics of spying (and how to notice when you're being spied upon), and some of the history of spying in the US. There are useful definitions of spy terminology that is helpful if you're writing a spy-themed novel and you want to make sure the lingo is correct.

The writing style is fun and breezy (an occasionally strays into cheesy), and there are a lot of intriguing tidbits in there (I had no idea about the James Woods/ 9/11 connection).

It ends abruptly (no closing chapter?!), but it makes up for it with links for further reading.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the National Spy Museum (completely awesome museum BTW) comes the handbook for the everyman. There are several chapters about contemporary spying, historical heroes and villains in the game, and details about how to apply these principals in your everyday life. Mostly a fun read, there are several good lessons and interesting pieces of information such as protecting yourself from identity theft and the only CIA agent to defect to Russia. It also provides a section on how to spot and handle terrorist situations, something hopefully no reader will have to use. A fun, fast, and easy read.

[Lisa Overberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by ex-CIA operatives, this book provides practical tips on how you think like a spy and apply the techniques to your everyday life. It's a fun, easy read and gives interesting facts and tidbits; ranging from details of the Rosenbergs (the only U.S. civilians executed for espionage during the Cold War) to how to lay a trap for someone stealing your food from the fridge.

Grade level: 5-6
Reading level" not available.

[Mina Lobo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, lighthearted read, with some good advice on protecting oneself from surveillance, identity theft, and how to handle oneself in the potentially hostile situation of trying to use a bathroom where one has not been a patron. The history bits intrigue (the James Woods incident blew my mind), the writing style entertains. In fact, the book's strong on style, but somewhat light on substance, for the cost (about $15). Still, I enjoyed it.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for research on an art project I am doing. I thought this was going to be fluff, but the book did a good job applying spy techniques to everyday tasks. The history call-outs were interesting and although some of the strategies are common sense, there were many smart tactics mixed in. I especially enjoyed the illustrations.

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally, I got to read a book! This is a fun, fast read, but it's not particularly deep (no surprise, considering its wide audience). The most important take-away message: Be aware of what's going on around you.

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly common-sense stuff, with mediocre writing and mostly disappointing attempts at humor throughout; however, the cartoons were cleverly done, and the historical inserts were interesting. Warning: a few slightly risque sketches and mild swearing earns this a PG rating.

[Adonis · Rating 2 out of 5]

It would be a good book for a novice, who has no idea about anything spy related.
Personally I found allot of the stuff common sense,but he did have some good examples that
you could relate too and use yourself.
Its a small book, with a small small "humorous" insight into the techniques of a spy

[Tommy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look out, I may be watching you!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some really interesting spy info that I didn't know. The practical application of many of the techniques in this book are actually possible.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read with some surprisingly good advice for everyday life.

[Extreme · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful guide to applying spy tricks in your everyday life. Insightful and very useful in daily life.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Now I can spy on all you people... I have skills.

[A.L. Sowards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, witty, and a great antidote for writer's block.

[SC]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11852551

[Gamal Hennessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent light hearted overview on the mental aspects of tradecraft.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much useful information, but a good primer on the general topic of spying.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was funny and informative. it helped to tell me where to look for more information on certain subjects.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a "real" how-to spying manual, but it's a fun little read with some useful information inside. Good way to kill an afternoon.

[Hikaru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative. An entertaining read that's a great jumping off point for further research for writing purposes.

[SmarterLilac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tips on how to protect yourself and your so-called privacy in here.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

(review pending)