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The Spy Catchers

The Official History of ASIO, 1949-1963
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( 47 ratings, 4 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Spy Catchers by David Horner explores the history and development of Australia's Security Intelligence Organisation during the Cold War era. It delves into the challenges and operations involved in espionage and counter-espionage as Australia navigated complex international threats. The book provides detailed insights into the evolving landscape of global intelligence and Australia's strategic responses.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're fascinated by espionage and the intricate world of intelligence history. It offers a deep dive into the operations and inner workings of Australia's secret service during a critical era, providing a mix of intrigue, historical detail, and insight into military strategies.

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With unprecedented access to their hitherto sealed records, this is the first volume of a remarkable official history of ASIO - a revealing and authoritative account of the early years of Australia's national security intelligence service.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Winner of the Prime Minister's Prize for Australian History

For the first time, ASIO has opened its archives to an independent historian. With unfettered access to the records, David Horner tells the real story of Australia's domestic intelligence organisation, from shaky beginnings to the expulsion of Ivan Skripov in 1963.

From the start, ASIO's mission was to catch spies. In the late 1940s, the top secret Venona program revealed details of a Soviet spy ring in Australia, supported by leading Australian communists. David Horner outlines the tactics ASIO used in counterespionage, from embassy bugging to surveillance of local suspects. His research sheds new light on the Petrov Affair, and details incidents and activities that have never been revealed before.

This authoritative and ground-breaking account overturns many myths about ASIO, and offers new insights into broader Australian politics and society in the fraught years of the Cold War.

The Spy Catchers is the first of three volumes of The Official History of ASIO.

The Spy Catchers is a fascinating account of ASIO's early years when the main threat Australia faced was from the Soviet regime. - The Hon. John Howard, OM, AC, former Prime Minister of Australia

This is one of our most important official histories. - The Hon. Kim Beazley, AC, Australian Ambassador to the United States of America

Series: OFFICIAL HISTORY OF ASIO

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  • The Spy Catchers
    Winner of the Prime Minister's Prize for Australian History For the first time, ASIO has opened its archives to an independent historian. With unfettered access to the records, David Horner tells the real story of Australia's domestic intelligence organisation, from shaky beginnings to the expulsion of Ivan Skripov in 1963. From the start, ASIO's mission was to catch spies. In...
    Paperback
    $4500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Spy Catchers is praised for its captivating examination of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation's formative years, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by Soviet espionage.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760290429

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 21 October 2015

Country: Australia

Imprint: Allen & Unwin

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 1009g

Pages: 736

About the Author

David Horner, AM, is Emeritus Professor of Australian defence history in the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University.

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