The Spy and the Traitor Book Summary

In 'The Spy and the Traitor,' Ben Macintyre delves into the riveting true story of Oleg Gordievsky, a double agent whose daring actions turned the tide of the Cold War. As a high-ranking officer in the KGB, Gordievsky secretly collaborated with British intelligence, risking his life to expose Soviet secrets. The book combines thrilling espionage with deep psychological insight, revealing the moral complexities faced by spies. With masterful storytelling, Macintyre captures the tension of a world on the brink of nuclear war and the ultimate quest for freedom. Will Gordievsky's bravery save the West or seal his fate?

By Ben Macintyre

Published: 2018

"Loyalty can be a prison, limiting not just freedom, but also the choices that define who we truly are."

The Spy and the TraitorBook binding

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Book Review of The Spy and the Traitor

The son of two KGB agents and the product of the best Soviet institutions, Oleg Gordievsky grew to see his nation's communism as both criminal and philistine. He took his first posting for Russian intelligence in 1968 and became the Soviet Union's top man in London, but from 1973 on he was secretly working for MI6. Desperate to keep the circle of trust close, MI6 never revealed Gordievsky's name to its counterparts in the CIA, which in turn grew obsessed with figuring out the identity of Britain's obviously top-level source. The CIA officer assigned to identify him was Aldrich Ames, who would become infamous for secretly spying for the Soviets. -- adapted from jacket.

Book Overview of The Spy and the Traitor

About the Book Author

B

Ben Macintyre

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.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Ben Macintyre
Published
January 2018
Publisher
Viking
ISBN
1101904194
Language
English
Pages
N/A
Genres
BiographyHistoryPolitical Biographies

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Loyalty can be a prison, limiting not just freedom, but also the choices that define who we truly are.

The Spy and the Traitor

By Ben Macintyre

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