Sex, Spies and Scandal: The John Vassall Affair by Alex Grant HARDBACK
$ 11.59
Description
Sex, Spies and Scandal: The John Vassall Affair by Alex Grant Hardback Unknown Delivery Usually delivered in 2–3 working days (dispatched today if ordered before 3pm). Brand new copy from BookCurl – the UK independent online bookseller. ------------------------------ Book details ------------------------------ Author: Alex Grant Title: Sex, Spies and Scandal: The John Vassall Affair Format: Hardback Language: Unknown Topic: Biography: historical, political and military Publisher: Biteback Publishing Publication year: 2024 ISBN-13: 9781785907883 ISBN-10: 1785907883 RRP: £20.00 ------------------------------ Description ------------------------------ In September 1962, John Vassall, a clerk at the Admiralty in London, was unmasked as a Soviet spy. After being photographed in compromising positions while working at the British embassy in Moscow, Vassall was blackmailed into handing British defence secrets over to his Soviet handlers for seven years. While there have been several successful books and film adaptations about the Profumo, Jeremy Thorpe and Duchess of Argyll affairs, the story of John Vassall, who was responsible for a more serious intelligence breach, is ripe for retelling. It has everything: a honey trap, industrial-scale espionage, journalists jailed for not revealing their sources and the first modern tabloid witch-hunt, which resulted in a ministerial resignation and almost brought down Harold Macmillan’s government. With access to newly released MI5 files and interviews with people who knew Vassall from the 1950s until his death in 1996, this book sheds new light on a neglected spy scandal. Despite having been drugged and sexually assaulted by the KGB in Moscow, as a gay man John Vassall was shown no mercy by the British press or the courts. Sentenced to eighteen years in jail, he served ten years, despite telling MI5 everything. Once released, he found that many of his old friends and lovers had been persecuted or dismissed from the civil service in Britain, America and Australia. Unlike the Cambridge Five, who courted attention, after leaving prison Vassall changed his name to avoid the media and lived quietly in London. Including atmospheric detail about Dolphin Square – a hotbed of political intrigue but also a safe haven for members of the LGBT community – in the 1950s and ’60s, this is an explosive tale of sexual violence, betrayal, conspiracy, snobbery, homophobia and hypocrisy that blows apart some of the British establishment’s darkest secrets. Sex, Spies and Scandal is the story of John Vassall, a civil servant who was unmasked as a Soviet spy in 1962. With access to newly released MI5 files and interviews with people who knew Vassall from the 1950s until his death in 1996, this book sheds new light on a neglected spy scandal. ------------------------------ Why buy from BookCurl? ------------------------------ • 99.9% positive eBay feedback • All items brand new • Free tracked UK delivery • Independent UK bookseller with millions of titles • Secure packaging for safe delivery • Friendly support and recommendations BookCurl – Curl up with a good book. Search BookCurl for our full range.
This book arrived today, exactly when the seller said it would, and was very well packaged for its journey. It is in absolutely perfect condition and it exactly as it is described on Ebay. For a book that is something of a rarity in Britain, the price was very low and having free postage made the value even greater. It is a small Christmas present for someone with the family name of 'Lucero', so this makes the exceptional way in which this seller works all the more special. Thank you greatly
Sadly the book went missing in the post and was not delivered. I contacted the seller who immediately replied, apologising for the lack of delivery and explaining that there were no further paperback copies available. Instead, the seller offered a hardback copy or a refund. As I wanted the 2012 (paperback) edition, with the updated introduction, I chose the refund. This was provided immediately with a covering message. A first class eBay seller, who I have no hesitation in recommending.
Excellent Service , Packaging & Communication. The seller responds to messages very quickly. In Fact, I paniced & contacted the seller just early today asking why the book is taking too long & teh seller reassured me that it was on it was & two hours later , the book arrived! I felt a bit silly jumping th egun as the book actially arrived within the specifed time ( earlier in fact ) SO, ALL very good & I now look forward to my Christmas reading. Saved Seller. Thank you
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