Spies were central to the fight against the Nazis, but because of the nature of their work, their stories have mostly gone untold until now in Nigel West’s impeccable style.

Very informative book about spies through history. Some I knew and some I didn't. And this is only the spies they know about.

Princess Fuzzypants here: If you are a fan of spy stories, here are fourteen of the most influential spies of the Twentieth Century. Some we might label as the good guys and some we might label as the bad guys but they all believed in what they were doing and for better or worse changed the course of history.

I would separate them into two big groups. One is the ones who plied their trade during WWII. The second group belongs to The Cold War and beyond. Painstakingly researched, the book describes how they came to be enlisted in espionage, why they did what they did and what, if any, repercussions were there after the dust had settled. It is an interesting book and sheds light on them. Many of them may have escaped notice but for books such as these and often their exploits were hidden in secret documents.

Four purrs and two paws up.

This collection of factual tales of the spies of recent history strips out the journalist excitement we read in the media and tell the real stories of these people in trusted positions that were prepared to betray their country or assist in obtaining secrets of their enemy. For anyone who is interested in the real world of the spies of history this is a worthwhile read and will keep your interest. As the saying goes, ‘real life can be stranger than fiction!’

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Pen & Sword for an advanced copy of this book on the influence espionage has had on world events.

Spies are considered one of the oldest professions, however people have entered the field of espionage for numerous reasons. Some do like the money, that is true. Some for patriotism or a sense of morality. Others for the adrenalin rush, the thrill of living the life of a lie, and the feeling that one gets from betraying others. Nigel West, politician author and longtime chronicler of the shadow world has in his book Spies Who Changed History: The Greatest Spies and Agents of the 20th Century collected the histories of various men and women whose actions saved lives, stopped wars, and altered events sometimes for the better, depending on the side telling the story.

The book features essays on 14 people, from the First World War to the closing days of the Cold War, detailing their lives, their actions, the results and what happened later. These patriots to some, traitors to others risked their lives and in many cases families lives, and freedom for a cause they thought was right, or for the cash to make the cause right. Detailing the actions of foreign armies, allowing Allied troops to be ahead, or in some cases allowing them to attack from behind. Inserting themselves into spy rings, become essential to certain actions, while informing their intelligence bosses exactly what they were doing. One kept the German High Command deceived about the D- Day attacks, allowing the Allies to strengthen there forces against counter attacks.

Nigel West is probably one of the best writers on espionage currently working. West's books are always informative, with commentary that fills in the gaps were sometimes facts have to be omitted. These essays are based on government reports, agent communications and interviews with the people involved, and go deep into the how and the why this agent should be recognized for their action. The cast of characters is quite large, but there is both a dramatis personae and a glossary for terms and acronyms, which there are plenty.

What caught my attention the most was that most of these spies were just walk ins, informing intelligence services in their own country, hey a rival wants me to spy. Quite a few. It goes o prove how difficult counter intelligence must be, but makes one wonder how many spies just slipped by. Also it proves the importance of human intelligence. A satellite or computer intercepts might show things, but humans no matter the gains in technology have deception as a part of their DNA. Spying comes quite easy. A very informative and interesting book for nonfiction and fictional spy fans. Also as a guide for writers or thrillers there are plenty of ideas to get your plot going. I've read quite a lot of Nigel West's books, and I found this quite interesting and educational.

I opened this book with enthusiasm, ready to learn new and interesting ways in which “spies changed history” and to connect with the fourteen who have been so important as to be selected. What I read was page after page of text copied from various reports from special branches as to what they think may have happened and why. A large number of these spies were on the “wrong” side of history and I found them difficult to support. I was nauseated at their betrayal (that was the first page of each chapter on the spy) and then bored by the intense detail given to substantiate the claims made in their introductions. There are few inspiring tales but even those who were on the “right” side are often shadowed in a haze of confusion.

One cannot doubt the vast amount of time in research the author must have spent but I can't claim I found it “surprising” or “insightful”. Be sure to read the preview to see if it’s your cup of tea.

This is a compilation of stories of fourteen very important spies in history. I have a sort of fascination with spies. I love that mysteriousness that surrounds them, so I was excited to read about them and understand them better. I loved reading about Olga Gray, she was so intelligent. All the stories are fascinating and easy to follow and I really enjoyed reading this and learning so many new facts about amazing people. Thank you so much to Netgalley and the author Nigel West for this copy of the ebook! I absolutely think it’s worth checking out if you like learning new and interesting facts and if you love spy movies and shows like me!

Spies Who Changed History by Nigel West, was put together using correspondence and open government files, interviews etc. they’re not short bios but intricate and detailed stories of each spy they even did one who was a spy while spying for the British let me reiterate he was a British spy who spied on Germany and was a spy for Germany while spying for Britain I hope I explained that right lol! Either way this was a great book they have female spies male spies Austrian spies, Hungarian spies the list goes on and on this was a great book well detailed will re-certain well written and mono highly recommend I was given this book by net Gally in the publisher and I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind a dictate my review but I’ll opinions are definitely my own.