Kim Philby (1912–1988)

This is a short, rather bare bones account of Kim Philby's pre-Moscow life, mainly centering on his time spent in the British secret service and abroad. Written by Philby whilst in exile in the Soviet Union, it's not so much an autobiography (Philby avoids talking too much about himself) more an insider's look at a life many of us can never hope, or really want, to lead.

Starting with his Cambridge years and brief stint as a journalist in Franco Spain, it moves on to Philby's early career in the SIS, through his rapid rise through the ranks, finally culminating in his fall from grace following the Burgess and Maclean scandal. Throughout, Philby comments pungently on the various figures who made up his secret world, many of whom are now mere footnotes. Of his own actions that led to the death and capture of countless agents he remains chillingly detached.

A couple of the chapters focus on specific cases, several of which seem to have formed the background for a number of well known spy thrillers. One of these, involving an operation to infiltrate spies into Soviet occupied Georgia, is probably the most interesting part of the book, though also the most disturbing, knowing as we do Philby's probable role in the doomed operation. The fact that it's described in such matter-of-fact tones makes it all the more so.

It's hard to say what to make of the book as a whole. As a portrait of the intelligence world it's tainted by the fact that we can never be sure just how truthful Philby's words are, or how much he was forced to leave out by his Moscow masters. As an exploration of Philby as a person, his motivations and deepest convictions, it's rather too shallow and glossy. An interesting read, all told, though much like Philby himself impossible to pin down.… (more)

This is a short, rather bare bones account of Kim Philby's pre-Moscow life, mainly centering on his time spent in the British secret service and abroad. Written by Philby whilst in exile in the Soviet Union, it's not so much an autobiography (Philby avoids talking too much about himself) more an insider's look at a life many of us can never hope, or really want, to lead.

Starting with his Cambridge years and brief stint as a journalist in Franco Spain, it moves on to Philby's early career in the SIS, through his rapid rise through the ranks, finally culminating in his fall from grace following the Burgess and Maclean scandal. Throughout, Philby comments pungently on the various figures who made up his secret world, many of whom are now mere footnotes. Of his own actions that led to the death and capture of countless agents he remains chillingly detached.

A couple of the chapters focus on specific cases, several of which seem to have formed the background for a number of well known spy thrillers. One of these, involving an operation to infiltrate spies into Soviet occupied Georgia, is probably the most interesting part of the book, though also the most disturbing, knowing as we do Philby's probable role in the doomed operation. The fact that it's described in such matter-of-fact tones makes it all the more so.

It's hard to say what to make of the book as a whole. As a portrait of the intelligence world it's tainted by the fact that we can never be sure just how truthful Philby's words are, or how much he was forced to leave out by his Moscow masters. As an exploration of Philby as a person, his motivations and deepest convictions, it's rather too shallow and glossy. An interesting read, all told, though much like Philby himself impossible to pin down.… (more)