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GCHQ

Centenary Edition

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GCHQ

By: Richard Aldrich
Narrated by: Peter Noble
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About this listen

FULLY UPDATED CENTENARY EDITION

‘An important book’ Max Hastings, Sunday Times

GCHQ is the largest and most secretive intelligence organisation in the UK, and has existed for 100 years – but we still know next to nothing about it.

In this ground-breaking book – the first and most definitive history of the organisation ever published – intelligence expert Richard Aldrich traces GCHQ’s development from a wartime code-breaking operation based in the Bedfordshire countryside into one of the world leading espionage organisations.

Packed with dramatic spy stories, GCHQ also explores the organisation’s role behind the most alarming headlines of our time, from fighting ISIS to cyberterrorism, from the surveillance state to Russian hacking. Revelatory, brilliantly written and fully updated, this is the crucial missing link in Britain’s intelligence history.

©2019 Richard Aldrich (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited 20th Century Espionage Freedom & Security Military Military & War Modern Politics & Government True Crime War Russia Imperialism United Kingdom Middle Ages Iran Soviet Union Middle East Surveillance

Critic Reviews

"Richard J. Aldrich is an outstanding analyst and historian of intelligence and he tells this story well...an important book, which will make readers think uncomfortably not only about the state’s power to monitor our lives, but also the appalling vulnerability of every society in thrall to communications technology as we are." (Max Hastings, Sunday Times)

"An intriguing history of covert surveillance...thoroughly engaging." (Daily Telegraph)

"Skilfully weaves together the personal, political, military and technological dimensions of electronic espionage" (Economist)
All stars
Most relevant  
An enjoyable detailed read no matter where or who you work for. Would love to find a companion work from the oppositions side of events.

A Night at the Circus?

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This is an incredible detailed and historic account of the founding and GCHQ from conception right up to the present times. It’s incredibly well researched, takes a bit of concentration to keep the names and events in context, but really well worth the effort. Well done to the author and reader. 10/10 from me.

One of the best researched books I’ve ever read

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