Espionage - (MIT Press Essential Knowledge) by Kristie Macrakis (Paperback)

About the Book

"A concise history of espionage. Going beyond the traditional accounts of espionage that focus on military and diplomatic intelligence collected by humans, the book also includes chapters on industrial espionage as well as the new techno-spy"--

Book Synopsis

A concise introduction to the history and methods of espionage, illustrated by spy stories from antiquity to today's high-tech world.

Espionage is one of the most secret of human activities. It is also, as the popularity of spy stories suggests, one of the most intriguing. This book pulls the veil back on the real world of espionage, revealing how spying actually works. In a refreshingly clear, concise manner, Kristie Macrakis guides readers through the shadowy world of espionage, from the language and practice of spycraft to its role in international politics, its bureaucratic underpinnings, and its transformation in light of modern technology. Espionage is a mirror of society and human foibles with the added cloak of secrecy and deception. Accordingly, Espionage traces spying all the way back to antiquity, while also moving beyond traditional accounts of military and diplomatic intelligence to shine a light on industrial espionage and the new techno-spy. As thorough--and thoroughly readable--as it is compact, the book is an ideal introduction to the history and anatomy of espionage.

About the Author

Kristie Macrakis was Professor of History in the School of History and Sociology at Georgia Tech and the author of many books, including Seduced by Secrets and Prisoners, Lovers, and Spies. She passed away in November 2022.