James Bond...The Secret History of MI6, 1909-1949 by Keith Jeffery tells the authorized story of the oldest foreign intelligence service and its role in shaping European and world history. The book also reveals the identity of the man who inspired Ian Fleming's books about master spy, James Bond : Commander Wilfred Dunderdale (photo, above).
If you're interested in the history of espionage, if not the emergence of modern day spying techniques, this is one heck of a book. Previously untold stories of disguises, forgeries, invisible ink, cryptography -- and Dunderdale's attraction to beautiful women and fast cars -- are revealed, along with the identities of other MI6 operatives whose names may surprise you.
Click here to view a video about the book, courtesy of The Telegraph, a daily British newspaper published in London.
Related Reading
Defend the Realm : The Authorized History of MI5 by Christopher Andrew
The Man Who Saved Britain : A Personal Journey into the Disturbing World of James Bond by Simon Winder
Just for Fun
Always a treat, the 007 films are mainly based on books by Bond's creator and Dunderdale's pal, Ian Fleming, or by John Gardner, who revived the series in the 1980's.
News from the Front : Project X
Bestselling thriller writer, Jeffrey Deaver, is now working on Project X, a Bond revival novel due out in May 2011.
