Review (PDF) The Ultimate Spy Book
The insider's guide to the secret world of espionage. An inconspicuous figure in a raincoat... border crossings at midnight... living under constant threat of betrayal and torture. Are these images from the movies -- or reality? Secretive and shadowy, the world of the spy is one that only a privileged few have understood. Now The Ultimate Spy Book gives you a unique opportunity to enter that world. Keith Melton, an adviser to United Stated intelligence agencies, reveals some of the best-kept secrets of espionage. Famous Spying Operations. Stranger than fiction, the true history of spying includes colorful characters, tales of intrigue, and exciting exploits. From the Civil War to both world wars and into the Cold War, The Ultimate Spy Book reveals what really happens in some of the most daring spying operations in history. Spy Equipment and Techniques. Keith Melton has amassed a dazzling collection of spy devices, many never before seen by those outside the world's elite spying agencies. Cameras that look like a pack of cigarettes are just the beginning: this book reveals listening devices, suitcase radios, hidden messages, microdots, assassination devices, and concealed weapons -- everything the well-equipped spy could ever need. How to be a spy. Discover the combination of quick wits and nerves of steel that makes a good spy. Learn about how spies are chosen and recruited, the training they receive, and the tricks of the trade. All the risks are revealed -- and all the rewards. For anyone who loves a good spy story -- or wants a glimpse into the world behind today's headlines -- The Ultimate Spy Book uncovers the clandestine activities that oil the wheels of international relations.
Hardcover: 176 pages
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley (April 1, 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0789404435
ISBN-13: 978-0789404435
Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #386,023 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #94 in Books > History > Military > Canada #378 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > True Crime > Espionage #618 in Books > History > Military > Intelligence & Espionage
I would like to consider myself an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction pertaining to the world of espionage. In light of this, I, having read many, many books on the topic, would have to rate this as quite possibly the best. Though many other books have been written in an "encyclopedia" form concerning the Intelligence community and spying, THE ULTIMATE SPY BOOK is very concise, informative, and generally provided me with what I was looking for. Kudos to H. Keith Melton on asuperb book.
Very well researched and organized. Technically accurate. Just the right mix of history, technology, and crisp photography to give you that "you are there" feeling.Many of the items Mr. Melton shares are so rare that one would never have the chance to see them (or even know of them) were it not for this book. The "fine wire kit" is one example of this.The Ultimate Spy Book is not just for espionage groupies either. Ages 8 to 80+ everyone will find it fascinating.
H. Keith Melton's account is amazing! Explains how they recruit spy, the types of undercover agents,famous spying operations,the gear, and a section on training. The gear is amazing, and half of it requires a permit. Silenced weapons, gas guns and all kinds of bugs ( listening devices). Recommended for anyone with the slightest intrest in special operations. Has 2 high-profile forwards, by a former CIA head and a former KGB head.
What a treasure trove this book is. I can't imagine how the author amassed this collection - it must have taken many years and a lot of money. It is overwhelming in its comprehensive survey of the various technical disciplines associated with espionage. A great service was done here, especially for the layman who only suspects that a lot of these devices exist. What a wonderful afternoon I spent going through it. Thanks Mr. Melton!
I got this book for my husband since he likes to read spy novels. He loved it!! As soon as he got it, he had to read the forward by William Colby (Former director of the CIA). He was very impressed, not only that William Colby had endorsed it by writing the forward, but how eloquent and informational the information was presented. The book is full of colored pictures, descriptions of the items, how they are used, and when they were used. It also showed some demonstration pictures of how the items were worn or used (if applicable). It also gave some great detailed information about the history of the various agencies. I highly recommend this book for anyone that is even remotely interested in spies and/or military actions. The perfect gift idea!
Before purchasing this book I read all of the reviews, good and bad, and decided to go ahead and purchase it.I liked the format, with all of the sidebars and profiles, and all of the photographs.If one is looking for a "how-to" book, this isn't it. It is a basic overview of old school espionage, and the then tools of the trade.One reviewer stated that you can't suppress a revolver. Well, yes you can. Both the Nagant M1895, described in this book, and another Russian designed weapon the OTs-38, are suppressible. It's a combination of the cartridge design and the cylinder action when the weapon is cocked.Overall it was a fun read and I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in how they did things, before computers. Yes, there was a time when there were no computers. It's amazing how civilization has lasted as long as it has without them! :-)
H. Keith Melton has literally produced "The Ultimate Spy Book!" This book is very informative on not only a large collection of tools of the trade, but chock-full of short write-ups on famous spies and missions performed during the days of spy and counterspy. Everything from silenced weapons to entry devices to sabotage devices. Almost every item listed is accompanied by color photos and a description of the item's application in wartime operations. No matter what your interest in the clandestine world of the Cold War is, this book is a must-have resource!
My use of the book was for research, and for this it was an excellent tool. Of course the pictures were an important part of the book, and helped me understand what things such as "night vision" and "microdots" really were. My only regrets were that the book didn't go any furthure into some of the topics it discussed, but all in all it was very helpful. The information was still concise, however, and I read the whole thing as it was very interesting.
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