Very informative and interesting - especially the last couple of sections, Deadly Spies, Middle East Spies, and Space Age Spies. However, the writers keep referencing names and events from earlier parts of the book, and it's so detail-packed that it's hard to keep up and remember all the names and dates if you're reading the book over a long period of time. Perhaps someone with a stronger historical background could have less trouble reading it.
This book has been a constant companion for years now. The format is in the time tested style of short narratives with lots of photos; which makes it almost fun to read and refer to everytime a spy novel is in my hands.
By far the most intruiging are the write ups on Sidney Reilly (who was Ian Flemming's model for James Bond) and Mata Hari (The Eye of the Dawn) who remains the most famous (if not most successful) sex spy.
Anyone with a interest in espionage & spt fiction should have this book as a ready reference.