A Spy's London: A Walk Book of 136 Sites in Central London Relating to Spies, Spycatchers & Subversives from More Than a Century of London'Ssecret H (Famous Regiments)

Rating:
Summary: Both an Outstanding Guide and pretty good history
Review: Mr Berkeley has accomplished what few guidebooks do well, in my opinion. That is to combine the sights with a narrative tying them together. Over 130 places are divided into short walking tours taking in most of London. The narrative itself is authoritative and, just as important in a book like this, entertaining. If you have an interest in Intelligence/Special Operations both during the World Wars and Cold War, and are looking for an unusual tour to do yourself,this is a book to consider. I probably ought to mention that it is unlike traditional guidebooks in another sense as well: there are few recommendations on eating-certainly none on lodging. But, another inexpensive guidebook should suffice to cover those areas. NB: Although published in 1997, I used the book July and November 1999 and all the sites I wanted to see are still there.

Rating:
Summary: Both an Outstanding Guide and pretty good history
Review: Mr Berkeley has accomplished what few guidebooks do well, in my opinion. That is to combine the sights with a narrative tying them together. Over 130 places are divided into short walking tours taking in most of London. The narrative itself is authoritative and, just as important in a book like this, entertaining. If you have an interest in Intelligence/Special Operations both during the World Wars and Cold War, and are looking for an unusual tour to do yourself,this is a book to consider. I probably ought to mention that it is unlike traditional guidebooks in another sense as well: there are few recommendations on eating-certainly none on lodging. But, another inexpensive guidebook should suffice to cover those areas. NB: Although published in 1997, I used the book July and November 1999 and all the sites I wanted to see are still there.

Rating:
Summary: A captivating tour guide and history of the best known and lesser known spies of London.
Review: Not your every day tour guide to London, that's for sure. Roy Berkeley's meticulously researched book reads like a spy novel. But this is no work of fiction. The author takes you on a tour of of more than 130 places where some of the more notorious spies plied their craft. Non-descript flats were the home to the likes of double agents Kim Philby and Donald Maclean who betrayed their country. And while Baker Street will always be known as the home to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, a whole stretch of Baker Street during WWII was home to the British espionage and sabotage organization known as SOE (Special Operations Executive). Berkeley even touches on the home and workplace of the most famous spy writer in history Ian Fleming. Complete with photos and diagrams to get you around the espionage haunts of the city. A real gem! Bruce Edwards