Spycatcher: The Candid Autobiography of a Senior Intelligence Officer
£27.74
Entertaining - yes, history - no - As a scholar of intelligence studies, I would like to point out that it is now generally accepted by all but a minority of conspiracy theorists that Peter Wright s book is not accurate. Although at one point an accomplished counter-espionage officer, by the end of his career paranoia had set in in a major way. It was actually Hollis himself who directed the investigation to examine himself, nothing was found at all. In an interview shortly after publication Wright admits, that his co-workers did not agree with his assertions, and that he was on his own. Although it is unlikely to ever be known for certain, it is extremely unlikley that Hollis was a spy for the Soviet Union. The tragedy of the whole saga, is that Hollis had his reputation damaged permanently, and wright and his fellow young turks did serious damage to the internal morale and workings of the security service, by spreading paranoia, and using up valuable resources, during the height of the Cold War. Had the govt. not tried to block publication at the time, which was standard practice rather than this book being particularly revealing, it would have been read by a very small number of people. Read it? Certainly, but read more contemporary literature to understand the whole mole hunt issue. It is interesting that people will believe anything bad about the intelligence services, but nothing good.
Initially banned in the UK - Much of the notoriety of this title is because it was banned in the UK when first launched back in 1987. The steady stream of imported copies into the UK and US publication meant that the authorities eventually gave up.The title is interesting because of the insight it gives into the then day to day workings of the intelligence services. However, depending on whom you believe, its central assertions are now largely discredited. So if you do purchase it don t take it all at face value.
The details make the book - I think the technical and beaurocratic detail makes this book what it is, a fascinating insight into the real intelligence services. It s not Flemming and why would it be? Oddly enough it s not a million miles from early Len Deighton and John le Carre. They also write at length about the beaurocratic nonsense that plagued the 1950s/60s MI5/SIS. I get the feeling after reading Spycatcher and others that a real 1960s Bond would have spent a good deal of time trying to explain his extravagent expenses and generally being hounded for paperwork. Wonderful stuff, highly recommended
A peice of interesting history rather than the rant of an old man - Although this book clearly suffers from some evident bias it nonetheless provides an interesting account of a on-the-whole unknown area of contemporary society. Whilst some aspersions are hard to sustain, much of the detail in how MI5 carried out operations, along with a introduction to many characters, often at the forefront of British security, whom most of us would never have heard of, make this an interesting read. Above all this is highly readable book for anyone interested in spy novels but also for those looking for a different version of early cold war history.
Interesting topic, shame about the book. - A fairly revealing account of an engaging topic and the juicy details of high-level and high-profile national betrayal. Unfortunately, although there are infrequent glimpses into the clandestine world of Oxbridge liberals-turned-spy, Peter Wright all too often tends to get bogged down in technical and bureaucratic details, making this a somewhat effortsome read.I remember still being at school when this book was first released, to much media to-do. Not being particularly interested in spies nor in politics, I ignored it first time round, but when I saw the book at a relatively cheap price, I decided to give it a go. If you happen to find it, I would advise this book only if you feel able to skim the less interesting padding, or willing to plough through it. All in all, this isn t really a book worth seeking out, and I d stick with Ian Fleming.