Kim Philby’s life and career has inspired an entire literary genre: the spy novel of betrayal. He was one of the leaders of the British counter-intelligence efforts, first against the Nazis, then against the Soviet Union. He was also the KGB’s most valuable double-agent, so highly regarded that today his image is on the postage stamps of the Russian Federation.
Philby was the mentor of James Jesus Angleton, one of the central figures in the early years of the CIA who became the long-serving chief of the counter-intelligence staff of the Agency.
James Angleton and Kim Philby were friends for six years, or so Angleton thought. They were then enemies for the rest of their lives. This is the story of their intertwined careers and a betrayal that would have dramatic and irrevocable effects on the Cold War and US-Soviet relations. Featuring vivid locations in London, Washington DC, Rome and Istanbul, SPIES AND TRAITORS anatomises one of the most important and flawed personal relationships in modern history.
Philby was the mentor of James Jesus Angleton, one of the central figures in the early years of the CIA who became the long-serving chief of the counter-intelligence staff of the Agency.
James Angleton and Kim Philby were friends for six years, or so Angleton thought. They were then enemies for the rest of their lives. This is the story of their intertwined careers and a betrayal that would have dramatic and irrevocable effects on the Cold War and US-Soviet relations. Featuring vivid locations in London, Washington DC, Rome and Istanbul, SPIES AND TRAITORS anatomises one of the most important and flawed personal relationships in modern history.
Newsletter Signup
By clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Reviews
A fascinating story, well told, of how one idealistic master spy and double agent caused serious damage to the strategic interests of the West and how another, taught by the first and vehemently anti-Communist, tried to prevent such a betrayal from ever happening again
Michael Holzman's new book demonstrates it's still possible to take an original approach to the story of Philby and his betrayal...a refreshing take...by taking a much more personal approach to the two [Holzman] is able to examine a familiar story from a different perspective
A comprehensive chronicle of the relationship between British double agent Kim Philby and CIA counterintelligence chief James Angleton
This dual biography of James Jesus Angleton and Kim Philby is a window onto the Cold War spycraft of the CIA, MI6 and the KGB