Description

A vastly entertaining and unique history of the interaction between spying and showbiz, from the Elizabethan age to the Cold War and beyond.

‘A treasure trove of human ingenuity’ The Times

Written by two experts in their fields, Stars and Spies is the first history of the extraordinary connections between the intelligence services and show business.

We travel back to the golden age of theatre and intelligence in the reign of Elizabeth I. We meet the writers, actors and entertainers drawn into espionage in the Restoration, the Ancien Regime and Civil War America. And we witness the entry of spying into mainstream popular culture throughout the twentieth century and beyond – from the adventures of James Bond to the thrillers of John le Carre and long-running TV series such as The Americans.

‘Thoroughly entertaining’ Spectator

‘Perfect…read as you settle into James Bond on Christmas afternoon.’ Daily Telegraph

Publisher Review

A treasure trove of human ingenuity, and testament to our need to tell and believe stories, it deserves a front-row seat at any budding Bond's bedside -- James Owen * The Times * Andrew and Green have carried out a huge amount of impeccable research, which they relay with infectious gusto... I found it extremely difficult to put this book down -- Jake Kerridge * Daily Telegraph * Anyone who loves a good spy story will find and enjoy hundreds of them here * Economist * [An] enjoyable and well-informed survey...stars and spies will forever be inextricably linked -- Alan Judd * Oldie * Perfect...read as you settle into James Bond on Christmas afternoon. -- Simon Heffer * Daily Telegraph, *Books of the Year* *