The Secret State: A History of Intelligence and Espionage - Hardcover

Colonel John Hughes-Wilson is one of Britain’s leading military historians and lectures for a number of international, governmental, and academic organizations. Hugh-Wilson’s previous works include Military Intelligence Blunders and A Brief History of the Cold War. He lives in Cyprus.

“Hughes-Wilson provides a proficient survey of intelligence uses and abuses.”
- New York Review of Books

“Hughes-Wilson, a leading British authority on intelligence matters, defines and describes the ‘intelligence cycle’ while delivering a thematically organized account of intelligence in contemporary contexts.”
- Publishers Weekly

“A solid overview of the importance of secret intelligence and case studies of successful and failed spying, from the earliest times to leaks by Edward Snowden and Al Jazeera. A vigorous survey with specific case studies and a useful bibliography for further study.”
- Kirkus Reviews

“A sweeping history from the classical origins of intelligence work to modern times in the digital age. A powerful history that asks many hard questions in a wide-ranging survey packed with political, historical, and social analysis. It's a recommended pick not just for political studies readers; but for any interested in the intelligence community and its background.”
- Midwest Book Review

“The author’s knowledge and passion for the subject is palpable, while his scrutiny and explanations make this a thoroughly enjoyable read.”
- The Irish Examiner

“In this sweeping history, John Hughes-Wilson anatomizes the intelligence process and the evolution of covert methodologies and technologies that maintain (or disrupt) geopolitical balance. A deft tour of the shadow side of 'speaking truth to power'.”
- Nature