The Economist reads | Spook books

What to read to understand intelligence and espionage

Our defence editor picks seven good books on spying

Image: Getty Images

More from The Economist reads

The romance and reality of Paris, the Olympics’ host

Five non-fiction books about a city that is both gilded and gritty

Novels set on holiday

Some of these fictional holidays aren’t fun, but they might enhance yours


Five books on the glories and flaws of the Olympics

The games fall short of their ideals, but they’re still worth watching


The best and worst memoirs by British prime ministers

There are plenty of duds, but a few gems

Six enjoyable books about football

An eclectic selection covering the beautiful game and why it matters