Secrets, Lies, Gizmos, and Spies: A History of Spies and Espionage - Hardcover

Janet Wyman Coleman is the author of Baseball for Everyone: 150 Years of America’s Game and Famous Bears & Friends: 100 Years of Teddy Bear Stories, Poems, Songs, and Heroics. She lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

Grade 6–10—Filled with historical and modern photos and reproductions and arranged loosely by topic, this quick read dives into the secret world of espionage. Providing a global perspective, Coleman explains that this is not a complete history of spying, but rather "a collection of spy stories." The true tales describe disguises, ways of gathering information, snooping devices, codes, clandestine operations, and weapons. Short bios of famous spies appear throughout the work. Fictional characters such as Alias, Maxwell Smart, and Austin Powers are mentioned as well. The engrossing, readable text will hold the interest of even reluctant readers. Some knowledge of American and world history is helpful in understanding the backgrounds of people and events covered. A variety of font styles, sidebars, and alternating paper colors adds visual appeal. Photographs are well captioned and nicely integrated within the text. Clive Gifford's Spies (Kingfisher, 2004) is similar in scope, but stronger in organization. Coleman's book gives greater coverage to specific spies. Libraries needing additional materials on the subject should consider adding this volume even if they already own Gifford's book.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH
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