Philby: The Life and Views of the K.G.B.Masterspy by Phillip Knightley [rare books]

Book Summary:

In Philby: The Life and Views of the K.G.B. Masterspy, Phillip Knightley offers an in-depth exploration of Kim Philby, the British intelligence officer who became one of the most notorious Soviet spies of the 20th century. Drawing from exclusive interviews with Philby conducted in Moscow shortly before his death, Knightley provides a rare and intimate portrait of the man who infiltrated the highest echelons of British intelligence while secretly working for the KGB.

The book delves into Philby's personal and ideological motivations, examining his early life, his time as a war correspondent, and his deepening ties with Soviet intelligence. Knightley also sheds light on the dynamics of espionage during the Cold War, offering insights into the operations and counterintelligence strategies of both the British and Soviet agencies. Through meticulous research and compelling narrative, Knightley paints a complex picture of a man who betrayed his country while maintaining a facade of patriotism.

About the Author: 

Phillip Knightley (1929–2016) was an Australian investigative journalist and author renowned for his work in war reporting and espionage. He served as a special correspondent for The Sunday Times for two decades, where he was instrumental in the newspaper's investigative efforts, including the exposé of the thalidomide tragedy. Knightley authored several acclaimed books, such as The First Casualty, which examines the role of war correspondents as propagandists, and The Second Oldest Profession, focusing on the history of espionage.

His journalistic career was marked by a commitment to uncovering the truth, often at great personal risk. Knightley was one of the few journalists to have met with Kim Philby in person, conducting interviews with him in Moscow shortly before Philby's death. His work earned him numerous accolades, including the British Press Awards' Journalist of the Year in 1980 and 1988, making him one of only two journalists to have won the award twice. He was also honored with the Overseas Press Club of America's Best Book on Foreign Affairs Award in 1975 for The First Casualty. 

Knightley's legacy as a journalist and author is characterized by his rigorous investigative approach and his ability to illuminate complex subjects with clarity and depth.