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The Ultimate Spy Book
Filled with the fascinating tales of secret agents, The Ultimate Spy Book is stunningly illustrated with H. Keith Melton's extraordinary collection of spy paraphernalia, much of which has never before been seen outside the business.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 6, 2016
Went into this expecting an in-depth look at the world od spies and tradecraft, but this turned out to be nothing more than a highly illustrated book with irrelevant stuff to modern espionage and just little snippets of information that anyone can discover with some pointed research on the Net (in fact, my research for writing espionage thrillers covered lots more ground than what is mentioned in this book).
Not to say it isn't interesting - but this is very much what you'd be seeing if say, the Metropolitan Museum featured a room on the history of espionage and you'd get objects exposed and little 100-words vignettes about famous spies or the tools used.
A history of spying would've been a much better title than the misleading ultimate spy as this is something anyone with Internet research skills can find in the most basic way, and there's nothing new or detailed or unique here. Shame, because this was a very good premise.
Not to say it isn't interesting - but this is very much what you'd be seeing if say, the Metropolitan Museum featured a room on the history of espionage and you'd get objects exposed and little 100-words vignettes about famous spies or the tools used.
A history of spying would've been a much better title than the misleading ultimate spy as this is something anyone with Internet research skills can find in the most basic way, and there's nothing new or detailed or unique here. Shame, because this was a very good premise.
July 29, 2014
Nice read! I read the updated and expanded (2009) version. It's clear, and written in a laid-back (but professional) writing style.
The Ultimate Spy Book is a well-organized review of international spying. It starts by addressing who might be motivated to spy, followed by a history of pre-WWI spying, then an overview of famous operations, spy cities, techniques, spy gear (very interesting!) and ends with how to be a spy.
Not surprisingly, there's an emphasis on the US, Soviet Union, and Germany, but there's nice coverage of British, French, and Japanese spy histories as well.
There's a handy glossary at the end of the book.
The only criticism I have is for the weird spelling and grammatical errors in the text ("...face plate sown into coat" p. 82.). If you can overlook that, then you're in for an informational ride!
BTW: A lot of what's in this book is available for viewing at the Pacific Science Center (Seattle) until Sept. 1, 2014. I highly recommend it.
The Ultimate Spy Book is a well-organized review of international spying. It starts by addressing who might be motivated to spy, followed by a history of pre-WWI spying, then an overview of famous operations, spy cities, techniques, spy gear (very interesting!) and ends with how to be a spy.
Not surprisingly, there's an emphasis on the US, Soviet Union, and Germany, but there's nice coverage of British, French, and Japanese spy histories as well.
There's a handy glossary at the end of the book.
The only criticism I have is for the weird spelling and grammatical errors in the text ("...face plate sown into coat" p. 82.). If you can overlook that, then you're in for an informational ride!
BTW: A lot of what's in this book is available for viewing at the Pacific Science Center (Seattle) until Sept. 1, 2014. I highly recommend it.
October 22, 2022
Fine for the young adult who wants to learn about real spy craft. Some of the devices might also interest an older audience in their depth (though most of it boils down to "thing you know but small and concealed" without much more detail).
At least it has been properly edited and written without egregious spelling, grammar, or organizational errors. That's more than I can say for some reference books I've encountered this year and for that it gets the 3* (though I'm very tempted to give it 2* for how often I just wanted to read other things than continue this).
Two other things of note though. Firstly, heavy lean on the Cold War (IDK what you expect from a book about 'spies' but I still feel the need to point it out) and that the fact this collection is mostly from one person is extremely impressive. This type of collecting and specialization is exactly what makes something like Headstamp special. I just hope that it's been used for a more in depth reference book at some point that I will come across.
At least it has been properly edited and written without egregious spelling, grammar, or organizational errors. That's more than I can say for some reference books I've encountered this year and for that it gets the 3* (though I'm very tempted to give it 2* for how often I just wanted to read other things than continue this).
Two other things of note though. Firstly, heavy lean on the Cold War (IDK what you expect from a book about 'spies' but I still feel the need to point it out) and that the fact this collection is mostly from one person is extremely impressive. This type of collecting and specialization is exactly what makes something like Headstamp special. I just hope that it's been used for a more in depth reference book at some point that I will come across.
November 4, 2024
Although this book is well-researched, very nicely laid out, proofread and illustrated with so many photographs and often very interesting in part, it is also pretty repetitive. Admittedly, this is necessary at times with references to various historical events or apparatus, but duplication of photos and constant 'reminders' of meanings, abbreviations etc (which are all in the Glossary anyway), did grate on my nerves a little, felt some way short of 'Ultimate' and made progress slow. The tone of the writing is very accessible to the point of feeling rather dumbed-down. Maybe this book is aimed at teenagers, but to an adult, for a book about something as complex as espionage and code-breaking, it often felt rather too simplistic. That said, plenty of the photographs are interesting. By the end, I was wondering why anyone would want to become a spy and found this aspect of human nature somewhat depressing. 4.25/5
February 10, 2017
Great Book, full of very interesting photos and facts about spying. Appeals to young and old alike. You feel like you are on a tour of the Spy Museaum in Washington DC..
January 30, 2021
I LOVE this book. The best part is that oftentimes female spy stories are overlooked for the flashy male James Bond stories, but in this they highlighted some amazing real female spies along with the males, and the descriptions of the gadgets, gizmos and thingamobbers were impressive. Anyone who enjoys real spy stuff or even just cool weapons and inventions will enjoy this.
January 27, 2023
This was good- just a tiny bit dated
It was weird- the beginning was very history-heavy and the last 2/3 were mostly pictures and explanations of equipment and techniques
It seemed a bit disorganized
But I’ve been into spy stories lately so the visual aide of their tools was really cool to see
It was weird- the beginning was very history-heavy and the last 2/3 were mostly pictures and explanations of equipment and techniques
It seemed a bit disorganized
But I’ve been into spy stories lately so the visual aide of their tools was really cool to see
February 5, 2024
The book describes spy tools and famous people who acted as spies.
First of all, it is difficult to define a spy.
Since this world is impermanent and selfless, isn't everyone a hundred-faced person?
If you think about it, the person next to you could be a certified spy too.
First of all, it is difficult to define a spy.
Since this world is impermanent and selfless, isn't everyone a hundred-faced person?
If you think about it, the person next to you could be a certified spy too.
September 18, 2017
I really liked this book. It was amazing to see the spy gadgets. I learned a lot. Its was to hard on choosing my favorite gadget!
April 7, 2018
127 - 2018
August 6, 2020
A fascinating visual of all the weapons used by covert agents, operations officers, and, field officers.
September 30, 2020
2.25 / 5.0
Kind of confusing. Poorly Organized and tough to follow mix pictures and side vignettes with sparse text.
Kind of confusing. Poorly Organized and tough to follow mix pictures and side vignettes with sparse text.
February 16, 2022
A great reference book on spy craft and spy tools. A fascinating peek behind the espionage curtain.
Read
April 23, 2023I still have this book. I've had it as a kid.. still in perfect condition
October 12, 2012
It is OK for what it is. Some of the text is interesting to read and gadgets interesting to study, however too much of the pictures and text make repeat appearances throughout the book. It feels as if the author didn't have enough stuff to fill the book with so he decided to recycle stuff from previous pages to meet his agreed quota of pages. At times I also felt like I was touring a stuffy old museum. Many of the gadgets looked old, worn and rusty. True, this is how things age, however this is certainly NOT what they looked like when they were still in active service. I guess the subject matter is not one with a wide enough appeal to warrant restoring some of the items to former glory, but still - for a book about the subject, at least a few restorations would have been nice. As such, it is a nice overview of the subject matter and probably of more interest to younger readers, but for the general public I'd rate it at three stars.
April 15, 2012
This is a cool book that covers some of the most creative eras in spy history. Everything from code-breaking the Enigma machine, to underground spy tunnels, anti-spy kits, secret cameras and pellet-shooting umbrellas are covered.
This book should appeal to spy buffs, history fans and those that enjoy clever solutions to unique problems.
Lots and lots of color pictures.
Notes
Most information seems to be from the Cold War era
Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers
This book should appeal to spy buffs, history fans and those that enjoy clever solutions to unique problems.
Lots and lots of color pictures.
Notes
Most information seems to be from the Cold War era
Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers
April 19, 2013
It's dated now but it's great. I think someone described it as a really good coffee table book, that's a great description. The book flies through the years, events, technology, and people involved in the spy game over the years.
Not huge on depth on any one event but the presentation and breath of coverage in a short/easy to read book is nice. If you enjoy spy books, it's kinda a must for the collection.
Not huge on depth on any one event but the presentation and breath of coverage in a short/easy to read book is nice. If you enjoy spy books, it's kinda a must for the collection.
Read
August 6, 2011A great pictorial history of esponiage. It shows some weapons, hidden cameras, code making machines (such as Engima), and some famous spies (Ames, Hassen, Philby).
It doesn't show much of current practices, but it's great for those interested in the history of it.
It doesn't show much of current practices, but it's great for those interested in the history of it.
December 4, 2011
I have to get me a lipstick gun or a lipstick camera! Although this book was mostly filled with pictures, my favorite parts were finding out what happened to past spies of all countries. Very interesting to learn what were the first ways in which messages were sent.
April 9, 2012
Great stuff in this photographic book - not only did it show the secret tools of the trade, it also told stories of spying operations and techniques.
I learned all sorts of things, such as an acronym which depicts what motivates most spys.
MICE
M = Money
I = Ideology
C = Compromise
E = Ego
I learned all sorts of things, such as an acronym which depicts what motivates most spys.
MICE
M = Money
I = Ideology
C = Compromise
E = Ego
November 27, 2016
I'm glad I bought this book because I know it will be a fantastic reference for years to come. Yes, much of information it contains you can look up on the internet, yet I like having it all in one - easy to flip through - place. I've learned quite a bit!
October 6, 2008
My friend Annie gave me this book for my birthday years and years ago and I am STILL fascinated perusing the pages of spy accoutrements and stories. I love it!
January 16, 2009
4th/5th grade level. GREAT book talking Book. boys love it. the real spy ware book written for kids
May 23, 2013
Every page has photographs of unique spy "stuff" from both sides of different eras. Coupled with true stories about spys, the pictures make this a quick, but fascinating, read.
August 14, 2015
Fun! I know a couple of teens who would really appreciate this book. It's pretty awesome and full of the kind of trivia everyone will like.
October 10, 2016
Wanted to read more about MI6 but they were barely mentioned.
May 9, 2009
crap
June 11, 2009
This book is pretty badass, one of the best coffee tables books I've seen.
May 2, 2017
Superb visual guide.
In MK Library.
In MK Library.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews