Brian Stewart, MC, CMG, went from Oxford into the Black Watch and studied Chinese during the pre-Communist turmoil. His career in the Malayan Civil Service and during later postings in Asia, including in Hanoi during the Vietnam War, was frequently concerned with intelligence in the field and his subsequent position as Secretary of the Joint Intelligence Committee in the Cabinet Office gave him a bird's eye view of the intelligence bureaucracy both in Britain and the United States. He continued to work in Asia, mostly in China, after leaving government service and to follow developments in the intelligence world with a critical eye. Dr Samantha Newbery is Lecturer in Contemporary Intelligence Studies, University of Salford.
'Brian Stewart's musings on his long career in intelligence-related
work--ably aided by the researcher Samantha Newbery--have the aroma
of a good whisky, well-distilled. . . His book reads like an
extended ambassadorial valedictory, as they used to be--and is all
the better for it.'
*The Spectator*
'[F]ascinating … [Why Spy's] four parts are divided into 13 short
chapters, which are in fact concise essays on all aspects of
spying. The chapters on types of intelligence, how intelligence is
(or should be) assessed and deception operations are riveting, full
of illuminating detail.'
*The Scotsman*
'Drawing on a lifetime of personal experience and wisdom Brian
Stewart, together with his co-author Samantha Newbury, explains why
nations engage in espionage and how intelligence can impact on
policy-making for good or ill. The authors do not shy away from
addressing the more controversial aspects of intelligence work but
make a convincing case that in this arena issues cannot be seen in
black or white terms. This book, written with a deceptively light
touch, is an important contribution to the field of intelligence
studies.'
*Nigel Inkster, Director of Transnational Threats and Political
Risk, IISS, and former Director of Operations and Intelligence for
the British Secret Intelligence Service*
'an interesting, thoughtful and readable book … There is much to
ponder over'
*Asian Affairs*
'It is most unusual for a seasoned British official to write a book
about intelligence. Brian Stewart, in this most remarkable and
fascinating account, describes some of his experiences whilst
reflecting on the deeper meaning of intelligence. His co-writer,
Samantha Newbury, has added a wealth of secondary references to
ensure that this is a book for the academic, the aficionado, and
the spy.'
*Michael Goodman, Reader in Intelligence and International Affairs,
Department of War Studies, King's College, London and Official
Historian of the Joint Intelligence Committee*
'Stewart … argues from deep experience with intelligence in the
Malayan crisis, service as a diplomat in Hanoi, as secretary to the
Joint Intelligence Committee, and long experience in China. … [His
book is] elegantly written and a delight to read.'
*The World Today*
'Why Spy? is a great introduction to the intelligence field,
especially for American consumers of intelligence: the policy-maker
and the military decision-maker.'
*Parameters (US Army War College)*
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
