Women in Intelligence

The Hidden History of Two World Wars

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Waterstones
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date 17 Oct 2023 | Archive Date 7 Feb 2024

Talking about this book? Use #WomeninIntelligence #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

A groundbreaking history of women in British intelligence, revealing their pivotal role across the first half of the twentieth century
 
From the twentieth century onward, women took on an extraordinary range of roles in intelligence, defying the conventions of their time. Across both world wars, far from being a small part of covert operations, women ran spy networks and escape lines, parachuted behind enemy lines, and interrogated prisoners. And, back in Bletchley and Whitehall, women’s vital administrative work in MI offices kept the British war engine running.
 
In this major, panoramic history, Helen Fry looks at the rich and varied work women undertook as civilians and in uniform. From spies in the Belgian network “La Dame Blanche,” knitting coded messages into jumpers, to those who interpreted aerial images and even ran entire sections, Fry shows just how crucial women were in the intelligence mission. Filled with hitherto unknown stories, Women in Intelligence places new research on record for the first time and showcases the inspirational contributions of these remarkable women.
A groundbreaking history of women in British intelligence, revealing their pivotal role across the first half of the twentieth century
 
From the twentieth century onward, women took on an...

Advance Praise

“[Fry] has fulfilled the task she set herself: that of putting these women on the map, testifying to their number and courage and providing an invaluable handbook for future scholars.”—Caroline Moorehead, The Spectator


“Beware—this is a book full of danger and deception, sabotage and secret codes, and some brilliant, unstoppable women.”—Clare Mulley, author of The Spy Who Loved


“This account is long overdue. Helen Fry redresses the relative neglect of the contribution of women as intelligence officers and agents during and between the two world wars, with gripping personal stories of bravery, grit and analytic brilliance.”—Sir David Omand GCB, former director of GCHQ


“A superb introduction to the role of women in some of the most fascinating and secretive organisations of the two world wars. Fry brings to the fore stories of bravery, self-sacrifice and the ingenuity of women working in intelligence, all told with her usual inimitable style.”—Kate Vigurs, author of Mission France


“Much needed and extremely important. I was hooked from start to finish and found it very emotionally evocative. There has never been an attempt to bring together all the strands of the story, and this book shows the full and impressive picture of women’s contributions in two world wars.”—Sarah-Louise Miller, author of The Women Behind the Few


“A fascinating, minutely researched study of women in the espionage business.”—Nigel West, author of Spies Who Changed History

“[Fry] has fulfilled the task she set herself: that of putting these women on the map, testifying to their number and courage and providing an invaluable handbook for future scholars.”—Caroline...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9780300260779
PRICE US$35.00 (USD)
PAGES 464

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (PDF)
Send to Kindle (PDF)
Download (PDF)

Average rating from 29 members


Readers who liked this book also liked: