Spooks: The Unofficial History of MI5 provides a definitive and comprehensive account of Britain’s Security Service from the post-war era through to 2009. Drawing upon previously secret sources, authors Thomas Hennessey and Claire Thomas examine the internal evolution of MI5 as it transitioned from countering German espionage to confronting the shadow of the Soviet Union. The narrative navigates the agency’s complex history, including the failure to identify Soviet moles within the British establishment, its controversial efforts during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and its modern-day struggle against global terrorism, notably Al-Qaeda. By highlighting the service’s shifting priorities, this book provides a gripping look at the shadowy world of intelligence operations. From the hunt for atomic spies to the challenging reality of preventing attacks like the 7/7 bombings, this work offers a riveting insight into the successes and failures of the organisation behind the nondescript address of PO Box 500. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the real-world activities that have shaped British national security for over sixty years.
Used (good, see images, binding intact but visible in places) Softcover ISBN 9781445602677
