A Spy Among Friends unravels the gripping story of Kim Philby, the infamous British spy who betrayed his country while masquerading as a trusted friend among high-ranking intelligence officers. The narrative delves deep into the intricate web of camaraderie and deception during the Cold War, revealing how personal loyalties can collide with national interests. Macintyre paints a vivid portrait of Philby’s double life and the intense psychological games among the espionage elite. This compelling biography not only chronicles betrayal but also explores the complex nature of friendship and loyalty in a world of spies. Readers will be left questioning the reliability of even the closest bonds in times of treachery.
By Ben Macintyre
Published: 2015
"In the world of espionage, trust is the most dangerous currency, and betrayal is often a close friend."
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The true story of Kim Philby, the Cold War's most infamous spy, from the master espionage writer and author of The Spy and the Traitor. Who was Kim Philby? Those closest to him—like his fellow MI6 officer and best friend since childhood, Nicholas Elliot, and the CIA’s head of counterintelligence, James Jesus Angleton—knew him as a loyal confidant and an unshakeable patriot. Philby was a brilliant and charming man who rose to head Britain’s counterintelligence against the Soviet Union. Together with Elliott and Angleton he stood on the front lines of the Cold War, holding Communism at bay. But he was secretly betraying them both: He was working for the Russians the entire time. Every word uttered in confidence to Philby by his colleagues in the West made its way to Moscow, leading countless missions to their doom and subverting American and British attempts to subdue the Soviet threat. So how was this cunning double-agent finally exposed? In A Spy Among Friends, Ben Macintyre expertly weaves the heart-pounding tale of how Philby almost got away with it all—and what happened when he was finally unmasked. Based on personal papers and never-before-seen British intelligence files, this is Ben Macintyre’s epic telling of one of the greatest spy stories ever, a Cold War history that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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“In the world of espionage, trust is the most dangerous currency, and betrayal is often a close friend.”
A Spy Among Friends
By Ben Macintyre
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Ben Macintyre is a British author, historian, and columnist known for his captivating narrative non-fiction. He has written several notable works, including 'Agent Zigzag,' 'The Spy and the Traitor,' and 'Double Cross,' all of which explore themes of espionage and World War II. Macintyre's writing style blends meticulous research with engaging storytelling, making complex historical events accessible and compelling to a broad audience. He frequently contributes to The Times and often appears on radio and television to discuss history and espionage.
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