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Cover of The Spy and the Traitor
Book Summary · 22 min

The Spy and the Traitor

By Ben Macintyre

This episode unpacks the profound psychological cost of living a double life, revealing how trust becomes a weapon and betrayal a constant shadow in the world of espionage.

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Book Summary
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22 min
An excerpt

“This episode unpacks the profound psychological cost of living a double life, revealing how trust becomes a weapon and betrayal a constant shadow in the world of espionage.”

— Ben Macintyre, The Spy and the Traitor

What it is about

Espionage, Cold War history, Psychological burden, Loyalty and betrayal

Who it is for

If you've ever wondered about the true human cost of secrets, or the moral complexities of loyalty when allegiances shift, this story offers a stark perspective, and this will help you see what to do next.

The author

Ben Macintyre is a master storyteller and historian of espionage, known for his meticulous research and ability to bring complex spy narratives to vivid, human life, making him uniquely qualified to tell Gordievsky's story.

About the author

Ben Macintyre

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