Ben Macintyre tells the extraordinary story of one of history’s most enigmatic traitors, Kim Philby, and his larger-than-life friendship with British intelligence officer James Jesus Angleton. Spanning thirty years from their Cambridge days through the height of the Cold War to Philby’s defection to Russia, “The Spy and The Traitor” is a gripping account of two maverick geniuses who outwitted everyone—including each other.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for individuals who are interested in espionage and the cold war. It provides a detailed account of the lives of two very intriguing characters.
Pros :
- Macintyre brings Philby and Angleton to life in a way that makes their complex relationship easy to understand
- The book is full of suspense, keeping the reader hooked throughout
- Macintyre’s writing style is enjoyable and easy to read
Cons :
- It is not fiction
- It is dry and dense
- The pace of the book moves slowly
Learn more about the author
British journalist and author Ben Macintyre is a three-time winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award. He has written for The Times, The Sunday Times, and The New York Times.
Reader Reviews
“The Spy and the Traitor”
“The Spy and The Traitor”
“This book is outstanding. Ben Macintyre has a true gift for storytelling, and he brings Philby and Angleton to life in a way that makes you feel like you’re right there with them, experiencing their highs and lows firsthand. If you’re at all interested in espionage or Cold War history, don’t miss this one.”
“This is a terrific book. Ben Macintyre has written an enthralling and highly suspenseful account of the greatest treason in British history, leavened with abundant wit and portraiture. He brings to life two larger-than-life characters, Kim Philby and James Jesus Angleton, who were as obsessive, eccentric and brilliant as they were duplicitous.”