Ben Macintyre

Ben Macintyre is a British author, historian, and journalist, known for his books on espionage and military history. He has written for The Times newspaper and is best known for his works such as 'Agent Zigzag', 'Operation Mincemeat', and 'The Spy and the Traitor', which delve into the complex world of intelligence and the remarkable true stories of spies during wartime.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Operation Mincemeat

    Cover of 'Operation Mincemeat' by Ben Macintyre

    The book is a gripping account of one of the most successful and bizarre deception operations of World War II, orchestrated by British intelligence. It tells the true story of how British officials concocted an elaborate scheme to mislead Nazi Germany about the Allies' next strategic move by planting false information on a corpse dressed as a British officer. The body, carrying fake secret documents suggesting an Allied invasion of Greece and Sardinia, was set adrift to be found by Axis forces. The ruse, hinging on the authenticity of the planted persona and the documents he carried, aimed to divert German forces away from the actual target: Sicily. The operation's success played a crucial role in the overall Allied campaign in the Mediterranean, showcasing the ingenuity and daring of wartime espionage.

    The 9582nd Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. The Spy And The Traitor

    Cover of 'The Spy And The Traitor' by Ben Macintyre

    This gripping non-fiction narrative delves into the heart of the Cold War, recounting the incredible true story of Oleg Gordievsky, a high-ranking KGB officer who became the most valuable double agent for the British MI6. The book masterfully chronicles Gordievsky's secret work, which significantly altered the course of international relations, and the harrowing operation to exfiltrate him from the Soviet Union after his cover was blown. It's a tale of espionage, bravery, and betrayal, showcasing the complex moral decisions involved in the shadowy world of intelligence and counterintelligence, and highlighting the personal sacrifices made in the name of peace and security.

    The 9915th Greatest Book of All Time

  3. 3. Rogue Heroes

    Cover of 'Rogue Heroes' by Ben Macintyre

    This book provides a gripping historical account of the formation and exploits of the Special Air Service (SAS), an elite British military unit created during World War II. It chronicles the daring and unconventional tactics of its founder and the brave men who joined its ranks, as they undertook perilous missions behind enemy lines in North Africa and Europe. Drawing on personal diaries, letters, and interviews, the narrative vividly brings to life the heroism, camaraderie, and ingenuity of the SAS, while also exploring the moral complexities of their wartime actions and the lasting impact of their contributions to modern special forces operations.

    The 10063rd Greatest Book of All Time