Dastardly! Philby was masterful in his manipulation of both friends and foes. It all seems a bit pointless in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. (Although maybe not, in light of Putins tactics) Hard to believe Philby got away with it. ( )

This is a terrific non-fiction book about Kim Philby, master/monstrous spy within Britain's MI6 (Secret Intelligence Service) for more than 20 years. The old-boy system of recruitment & belief against all evidence in the fidelity of upper class members is disclosed ruthlessly. The remarkable career of Philby is detailed; a fascinating story of murderous betrayal. ( )

Great story from angle of friendship between Philby and fellow spy Nick Elliott who defended Philby until he finally realized Philby really was a traitor and had used him. Further adds to portrait of James J. Angleton of CIA and how thoroughly he screwed up. He trusted Philby and thereby contributed to people getting killed; then after Philby defected, he later became untrusting of everyone and got people killed. Any good Angleton did can't balance the ledger.

Name dropping aspect is fun in this book. Fellow British spies included Tim Milne, A. E. Milne's nephew, and Jona "Klop" Ustinov, Peter Ustinov's father. (The real surprise is that the description of Klop sounds exactly like the son: a roly-poly, multilingual, and very funny raconteur, but a spy instead of an actor.)

The tragic part played by British class prejudice in the whole affair is pointed up. Especially the fact that the middle & working class guys were quick to see Philby as a traitor while the upper-class guys couldn't see it because Philby was "one of us." I keep thinking of the little spy-gnome in the movie "Russia House" who says, "Doesn't know because doesn't want to know." ( )

This is a real-life story that reads better than many spy novels. The focus is on the very close relationships among Philby and his associates. It stresses, perhaps too often, the role that class, money, school, connections etc played in ensuring certain people were promoted and trusted with any questions of actual ability being almost ignored. There seemed to be an incredible amount of alcohol involved which must have clouded judgement. This is an absolutely gripping book from a master writer. ( )

This book provides an entralling look at the world of espionage. It is focused on Kim Philby and his friend, and colleague, Nicholas Elliott, working for British Intelligence (MI6). Ben Macintyre uses the lens of friendship to examine Philby’s actions, and how he betrayed both his country and his closest friends. It will appeal to those who enjoy narrative non-fiction about double agents, how they operate, and specifically about one of the most notorious defections in history. Philby used his charm and knack for making social connections. He got away with many transgressions due to his privileged class background and connections who could not believe he was capable of betraying his country. Basically, they were deep into denial and defended him even in the face of much circumstantial (and some real) evidence. I found it fascinating. ( )