Espionage in the Ancient World

Espionage in the Ancient World

Author: R.M. Sheldon

Publisher: McFarland

Published: 2015-09-03

Total Pages: 245

ISBN-13: 1476610991

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Intelligence activities have always been an integral part of statecraft. Ancient governments, like modern ones, realized that to keep their borders safe, control their populations, and keep abreast of political developments abroad, they needed a means to collect the intelligence which enabled them to make informed decisions. Today we are well aware of the damage spies can do. Here, for the first time, is a comprehensive guide to the literature of ancient intelligence. The entries present books and periodical articles in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, and Dutch--with annotations in English. These works address such subjects as intelligence collection and analysis (political and military), counterintelligence, espionage, cryptology (Greek and Latin), tradecraft, covert action, and similar topics (it does not include general battle studies and general discussions of foreign policy). Sections are devoted to general espionage, intelligence related to road building, communication, and tradecraft, intelligence in Greece, during the reign of Alexander the Great and in the Hellenistic Age, in the Roman republic, the Roman empire, the Byzantine empire, the Muslim world, and in Russia, China, India, and Africa. The books can be located in libraries in the United States; in cases where volumes are in one library only, the author indicates where they may be found.


King, Governance, and Law in Ancient India

King, Governance, and Law in Ancient India

Author: Kauṭalya

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2013-01-31

Total Pages: 785

ISBN-13: 0199891826

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King, Governance, and Law in Ancient India presents an English translation of Kautilya's Arthashastra (AS.) along with detailed endnotes. When it was discovered in 1923, the Arthashastra was described as perhaps the most precious work in the whole range of Sanskrit literature, an assessment that still rings true. This new translation of this significant text, the first in close to half a century takes into account a number of important advances in our knowledge of the texts, inscriptions, and archeological and art historical remains from the period in Indian history to which the AS. belongs (2nd-3rd century CE, although parts of it may be much older). The text is what we would today call a scientific treatise. It codifies a body of knowledge handed down in expert traditions. It is specifically interested in two things: first, how a king can expand his territory, keep enemies at bay, enhance his external power, and amass riches; second, how a king can best organize his state bureaucracy to consolidate his internal power, to suppress internal enemies, to expand the economy, to enhance his treasury through taxes, duties, and entrepreneurial activities, to keep law and order, and to settle disputes among his subjects. The book is accordingly divided into two sections: the first encompassing Books 1-5 deals with internal matters, and the second spanning Books 6-14 deals with external relations and warfare. The AS. stands alone: there is nothing like it before it and there is nothing after it-if there were other textual productions within that genre they are now irretrievably lost. Even though we know of many authors who preceded Kautilya, none of their works have survived the success of the AS. Being "textually" unique makes it difficult to understand and interpret difficult passages and terms; we cannot look to parallels for help. The AS. is also unique in that, first, it covers such a vast variety of topics and, second, it presents in textual form expert traditions in numerous areas of human and social endeavors that were handed down orally. Expert knowledge in diverse fields communicated orally from teacher to pupil, from father to son, is here for the first time codified in text. These fields include: building practices of houses, forts, and cities; gems and gemology; metals and metallurgy; mining, forestry and forest management; agriculture; manufacture of liquor; animal husbandry, shipping, and the management of horses and elephants- and so on. Finally, it is also unique in presenting a viewpoint distinctly different from the Brahmanical "party line" we see in most ancient Indian documents.


The Secret World

The Secret World

Author: Christopher Andrew

Publisher: Yale University Press

Published: 2018-09-04

Total Pages: 1019

ISBN-13: 030024052X

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“A comprehensive exploration of spying in its myriad forms from the Bible to the present day . . . Easy to dip into, and surprisingly funny.” —Ben Macintyre in The New York Times Book Review The history of espionage is far older than any of today’s intelligence agencies, yet largely forgotten. The codebreakers at Bletchley Park, the most successful WWII intelligence agency, were completely unaware that their predecessors had broken the codes of Napoleon during the Napoleonic wars and those of Spain before the Spanish Armada. Those who do not understand past mistakes are likely to repeat them. Intelligence is a prime example. At the outbreak of WWI, the grasp of intelligence shown by US President Woodrow Wilson and British Prime Minister Herbert Asquith was not in the same class as that of George Washington during the Revolutionary War and eighteenth-century British statesmen. In the first global history of espionage ever written, distinguished historian and New York Times–bestselling author Christopher Andrew recovers much of the lost intelligence history of the past three millennia—and shows us its continuing relevance. “Accurate, comprehensive, digestible and startling . . . a stellar achievement.” —Edward Lucas, The Times “For anyone with a taste for wide-ranging and shrewdly gossipy history—or, for that matter, for anyone with a taste for spy stories—Andrew’s is one of the most entertaining books of the past few years.” —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker “Remarkable for its scope and delightful for its unpredictable comparisons . . . there are important lessons for spymasters everywhere in this breathtaking and brilliant book.” —Richard J. Aldrich, Times Literary Supplement “Fans of Fleming and Furst will delight in this skillfully related true-fact side of the story.” —Kirkus Reviews “A crowning triumph of one of the most adventurous scholars of the security world.” —Financial Times Includes illustrations


The Secrets of Spies

The Secrets of Spies

Author: Heather Vescent

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2020-10-27

Total Pages: 129

ISBN-13: 1681885336

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Packed with dastardly details and top-secret stories, this book recounts thrilling tales, tools, and tricks of spies throughout history, from the ancient world of Sun Tzu to the latest cyber threats.


Espionage

Espionage

Author: Kristie Macrakis

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2023-03-07

Total Pages: 218

ISBN-13: 0262372991

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A concise introduction to the history and methods of espionage, illustrated by spy stories from antiquity to today’s high-tech world. Espionage is one of the most secret of human activities. It is also, as the popularity of spy stories suggests, one of the most intriguing. This book pulls the veil back on the real world of espionage, revealing how spying actually works. In a refreshingly clear, concise manner, Kristie Macrakis guides readers through the shadowy world of espionage, from the language and practice of spycraft to its role in international politics, its bureaucratic underpinnings, and its transformation in light of modern technology. Espionage is a mirror of society and human foibles with the added cloak of secrecy and deception. Accordingly, Espionage traces spying all the way back to antiquity, while also moving beyond traditional accounts of military and diplomatic intelligence to shine a light on industrial espionage and the new techno-spy. As thorough—and thoroughly readable—as it is compact, the book is an ideal introduction to the history and anatomy of espionage.


The Enemy Within

The Enemy Within

Author: Terry Crowdy

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2011-12-20

Total Pages: 283

ISBN-13: 178096224X

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Separating myth from reality, The Enemy Within traces the history of espionage from its development in ancient times through to the end of the Cold War and beyond, shedding light on the clandestine activities that have so often tipped the balance in times of war. This detailed account delves into the murky depths of the realm of spymasters and their spies, revealing many amazing and often bizarre stories along the way. From the monkey hanged as a spy during the Napoleonic wars to the British Double Cross Committee in World War II, this journey through the history of espionage shows us that no two spies are alike and their fascinating stories are fraught with danger and intrigue.


The Espionage Establishment

The Espionage Establishment

Author: David Wise

Publisher: Jonathan Cape

Published: 1968

Total Pages: 324

ISBN-13:

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The authors offer an "inside look at the operations, methodology, and personalities of the spy [establishments of the United States, Great Britain, Russia and China] ... Of particular interest is the emphasis on the internal, domestic activities of spy agencies, especially the homefront exploits of the CIA."


Urnabhih: A Mauryan Tale of Espionage, Adventure and Seduction

Urnabhih: A Mauryan Tale of Espionage, Adventure and Seduction

Author: Sumedha Verma Ojha

Publisher: Roli Books Private Limited

Published: 2014-10-14

Total Pages: 376

ISBN-13: 9351940527

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Misrakesi comes to the newly-formed Mauryan court with a mission-to avenge the death of her sister. However, an encounter with Chanakya, the man she had planned to kill, sets her on an unexpected path...She lands the highly-coveted job of a spy, masquerading as a dancing girl. In a kingdom fraught with intrigue, Misrakesi must always remain one step ahead. With the help of her handsome but arrogant chief Pushyamitra, she must concoct the perfect blend of sweetness and seduction to vanquish the enemies of the state. But when she is sent to subtly conquer a powerful neighboring kingdom, she might be in for more than what she bargained for. Will she succeed in her mission? Or more importantly, will she even survive to tell the tale? Meticulously researched, this historical page-turner packs in romance, political intrigue, and mystery to make for a racy read.


Spy System in Ancient India

Spy System in Ancient India

Author: Manila Rohatgi

Publisher:

Published: 2007-01-01

Total Pages: 293

ISBN-13: 9788178355153

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In India, the system of espionage is as old as the Rigveda. It has developed into a sophisticated political art. 'Spies are the eyes of Kings' is a proverbial saying current among the people from time immemorial. In her work, the author has emphasised on the existence of spy system from the early vedic period. The spies seem to have been largely employed then not merely to ascertain validity or invalidity in the statements of parties and witnesses, but also to gather correct and reliable information as to the movements of tribal settlements of inimical tendency or disposition. It is an indispensable adjunct of foreign policy and also an important instrument of serving the government. Kautilya envisaged a well-knit system of espionage. The author has included a separate chapter on diplomacy and diplomatic agents. As spying and diplomacy work together and the duties and functions of spies and diplomats overlap and coincide. The ancient Indian spy system was so developed and organised that till today, it is a perennial source of inspiration and more useful basis for the modern intelligence system. This book will be useful not only to readers for History but scholars working in the field of Political Science, Military Science, Administration, Diplomacy etc. Moreover, it is a treasure house of important information for the students preparing for competitive examinations. It is a learned attempt for the in-depth.