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GCHQ

Centenary Edition

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GCHQ

By: Richard Aldrich
Narrated by: Peter Noble
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About this listen

FULLY UPDATED CENTENARY EDITION

‘An important book’ Max Hastings, Sunday Times

GCHQ is the largest and most secretive intelligence organisation in the UK, and has existed for 100 years – but we still know next to nothing about it.

In this ground-breaking book – the first and most definitive history of the organisation ever published – intelligence expert Richard Aldrich traces GCHQ’s development from a wartime code-breaking operation based in the Bedfordshire countryside into one of the world leading espionage organisations.

Packed with dramatic spy stories, GCHQ also explores the organisation’s role behind the most alarming headlines of our time, from fighting ISIS to cyberterrorism, from the surveillance state to Russian hacking. Revelatory, brilliantly written and fully updated, this is the crucial missing link in Britain’s intelligence history.

©2019 Richard Aldrich (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited 20th Century Espionage Freedom & Security Military Military & War Modern Politics & Government True Crime War Imperialism Surveillance

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Critic reviews

"Richard J. Aldrich is an outstanding analyst and historian of intelligence and he tells this story well...an important book, which will make readers think uncomfortably not only about the state’s power to monitor our lives, but also the appalling vulnerability of every society in thrall to communications technology as we are." (Max Hastings, Sunday Times)

"An intriguing history of covert surveillance...thoroughly engaging." (Daily Telegraph)

"Skilfully weaves together the personal, political, military and technological dimensions of electronic espionage" (Economist)
All stars
Most relevant  
This will open your eyes, even when I thought I suspected everything this taught me more great value

What a fantastic listen

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What an insight, this history of how the state craves and manages knowledge is fascinating. The overall expense of running the gathering of information via governmental and complicit non-governmental organisations is mind-boggling. A thoroughly enjoyable listen to a well crafted history of a constantly evolving organ of the state. Thank goodness it was not written with grudges and opinions.

We’re all doomed….

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Impressive Breadth of information, feel well informed and insightful to learn more.intense but good listen insightful

Breadth covered

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This is an epic history of one of our most secret organisations. It is a long and detailed telling covering not just GCHQ but also the NSA and their impact on the worlds stage. It can feel a bit dry at times but it feels very well researched

Fascinating and profound

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this required proper concentration not a book you could do other things alongside. fascinating though.

interesting

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such a great subject and really well told. get it and be afraid. very afraid.

amazing book

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well told tale that reassures me we are being well served by GCHQ. I dare say the radical trouble makers will be appalled but I rest easier.

Spooks

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Bit of a slog, but an absolute eye opener! also well read by the narrator

Everyone should read this

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First up, the narration is well cast for the subject matter and style of writing. The book generally gets more interesting as you go through it. It's a long book and, at times, on the dry side, nonetheless a very worthwhile listen. Finishes with some existential questions!

Interesting listen

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Clear chapters list of good lengths.
Narration suits the stories, keeping enough suspense.
Subject is of great interest, helping explain historical events and including quite recent developments. For instance, "GCHQ" was only used publicly since 1976! The balance between Government protecting the people vs. our civil liberties is discussed.

Well recommended.

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