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Geoff Andrews

Agent Moliere: The Life of John Cairncross, the Fifth Man of the Cambridge Spy Circle

Agent Moliere: The Life of John Cairncross, the Fifth Man of the Cambridge Spy Circle

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  • More about Agent Moliere: The Life of John Cairncross, the Fifth Man of the Cambridge Spy Circle

John Cairncross, a Cambridge Spy, was a complex individual driven by his hostility to Fascism to pass documents to the Soviets, influencing the Battle of Kursk. Geoff Andrews gained exclusive access to his papers and secrets, revealing his motivations and post-espionage life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC


The enigmatic figure of John Cairncross, one of the Cambridge Spies, has always captivated the public's attention. Unlike his colleagues, Cairncross operated alone, driven by a fierce hatred for fascism rather than a desire to promote communism. During his wartime service at Bletchley Park, he passed vital documents to the Soviets, which had a significant impact on the Battle of Kursk. Geoff Andrews, in his exclusive access to Cairncross's papers and secrets, has spoken to friends, relatives, and former colleagues to shed light on the complex individual portrayed in his portrait.

A scholar and a spy, Cairncross's motivations have often been misunderstood. After leaving the Civil Service, he moved to Italy, where he rebuilt his life as a foreign correspondent, editor, and university professor. This new chapter in his life brought him into contact with a diverse range of people, including renowned writer Graham Greene. However, Cairncross's past as a spy lingered, always haunting him with the fear that his actions would be exposed.

The full story of Cairncross's espionage, his confession, and his dramatic public exposure as the "fifth man" is presented here for the first time. This book uncovers the details of his post-espionage life, providing a comprehensive account of his journey from a secret agent to a respected scholar and public figure.

John Cairncross's life was a fascinating blend of intelligence, courage, and sacrifice. His contributions to the war effort and his post-war endeavors have left a lasting impact on history. Through his story, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of espionage and the individuals who were willing to risk everything to fight for a better world.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 216 x 138 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350384866

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