The Sword and the Shield
The Mitrokhin Archive and the Secret History of the KGB
By Christopher Andrew, Vasili Mitrokhin | Publisher: Basic Books
About the book
Based on astonishing KGB documents, this essential exposé uncovers the shadowy operations of the Soviet Union’s top intelligence organization.
“The Sword and the Shield will stand as an indispensable reference work on Soviet espionage for years to come.” ―Washington Post
Based on an unprecedented, top-secret archive described by the FBI as “the most complete and extensive intelligence ever achieved from any source,” The Sword and the Shield gives us by far the most complete picture we have ever had of the KGB and its operations in the United States and Europe.
Vasili Mitrokhin worked for almost thirty years in the foreign intelligence archives of the KGB. In 1972 he was made responsible for moving these entire archives, including all the files on the KGB’s deep-cover operatives, to new headquarters just outside Moscow. Mitrokhin spent over a decade making notes and transcripts of these highly classified files which he smuggled daily out of the archives and kept beneath his dacha floor. Christopher Andrew has had exclusive access to both Mitrokhin and his archive. Supplementing this treasure trove of KGB secrets with extensive research in other archives, and published and unpublished sources, he has written an extraordinary book which forces us to acknowledge that there was indeed an enemy—and that he was very much in our midst.
Editions of The Sword and the Shield
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780465003105
- EBook
- ISBN 9780465010035
Read an Excerpt
Based on astonishing KGB documents, this essential exposé uncovers the shadowy operations of the Soviet Union’s top intelligence organization.
“The Sword and the Shield will stand as an indispensable reference work on Soviet espionage for years to come.” ―Washington Post
Based on an unprecedented, top-secret archive described by the FBI as “the most complete and extensive intelligence ever achieved from any source,” The Sword and the Shield gives us by far the most complete picture we have ever had of the KGB and its operations in the United States and Europe.
Vasili Mitrokhin worked for almost thirty years in the foreign intelligence archives of the KGB. In 1972 he was made responsible for moving these entire archives, including all the files on the KGB’s deep-cover operatives, to new headquarters just outside Moscow. Mitrokhin spent over a decade making notes and transcripts of these highly classified files which he smuggled daily out of the archives and kept beneath his dacha floor. Christopher Andrew has had exclusive access to both Mitrokhin and his archive. Supplementing this treasure trove of KGB secrets with extensive research in other archives, and published and unpublished sources, he has written an extraordinary book which forces us to acknowledge that there was indeed an enemy—and that he was very much in our midst.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Sword and the Shield about?
Based on astonishing KGB documents, this essential exposé uncovers the shadowy operations of the Soviet Union’s top intelligence organization.
“The Sword and the Shield will stand as an indispensable reference work on Soviet espionage for years to come.” ―Washington Post
Based on an unprecedented, top-secret archive described by the FBI as “the most complete and extensive intelligence ever achieved from any source,” The Sword and the Shield gives us by far the most complete picture we have ever had of the KGB and its operations in the United States and Europe.
Vasili Mitrokhin worked for almost thirty years in the foreign intelligence archives of the KGB. In 1972 he was made responsible for moving these entire archives, including all the files on the KGB’s deep-cover operatives, to new headquarters just outside Moscow. Mitrokhin spent over a decade making notes and transcripts of these highly classified files which he smuggled daily out of the archives and kept beneath his dacha floor. Christopher Andrew has had exclusive access to both Mitrokhin and his archive. Supplementing this treasure trove of KGB secrets with extensive research in other archives, and published and unpublished sources, he has written an extraordinary book which forces us to acknowledge that there was indeed an enemy—and that he was very much in our midst.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Sword and the Shield?
Society and Social Sciences > Warfare and defence > Military and defence strategy > Military intelligence
Where can I read a sample of The Sword and the Shield?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780465003105
How long is The Sword and the Shield and how many pages does it have?
The Sword and the Shield has 736 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Sword and the Shield?
Christopher Andrew, Vasili Mitrokhin
Who is the Publisher of the book The Sword and the Shield?
Basic Books
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Sword and the Shield is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780465003105) and ebook(ISBN 9780465010035)
Where can I buy The Sword and the Shield online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Sword and the Shield from below
Where can I buy The Sword and the Shield?