The Greatest Spy: The True Story of the Secret Agent that Inspired James Bond 007

Sidney Reilly was a British spy who was born in Odessa, Ukraine. He was the most successful spy in history and was awarded the Military Cross in 1919. He was also the inspiration for the fictional James Bond character. John Harte's book retells Reilly's story, revealing that he was not murdered by Stalins secret police in 1925.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2022
Publisher: Cune Press,US

Sidney Reilly, a man of many names and origins, emerged as Britain's greatest spy. Born in Odessa, Ukraine, he possessed a remarkable ability to convince anyone he met, including the head of Britain's intelligence services. His adventures began during the Russian Revolution in 1917 when he was tasked with overthrowing the Bolsheviks after they formed a new government.

Prior to that, Reilly had already achieved significant success by stealing the plans of the Kaisers new and modern fleet of battleships from Krupp, which played a crucial role in Britain's victory in World War I. He was awarded the Military Cross in 1919 for his contributions.

However, the most intriguing aspect of Reilly's story is his connection to the fictional character James Bond. Novelist Ian Fleming used Reilly's secret Admiralty Intelligence file to write his novels about a fictional secret agent he called James Bond 007. While Reilly's real-life exploits were undoubtedly thrilling and fantastic, his true story takes an even more surprising turn.

Author John Harte has retells Reilly's story as it truly was, in fast-moving prose with an eye for telling detail. He provides a twist by revealing what happened to Reilly after he vanished in Soviet Russia in 1925 and was assumed to have been murdered by Stalin's secret police. Surprisingly, Reilly survived and lived for many years, passing away in 1964 in a nursing home in London.

Reilly's life was a complex tapestry, filled with mystery, adventure, and intrigue. He was a man who could seamlessly blend into different cultures and environments, making him an invaluable asset to Britain's intelligence services. His adventures in Russia during the revolution and his subsequent work as a spy in Europe and Asia are a testament to his remarkable skills and resilience.

Despite his many achievements, Reilly's true identity remains shrouded in mystery. He was known by several names, including Sidney Reilly, John Palmer, and even Peter Wright, and his true origins are still debated. Some believe he was born in Poland, while others claim he was the son of an Irish clergyman.

What is certain is that Sidney Reilly left an indelible mark on history. He was a master spy, a man who could navigate the treacherous waters of international espionage with skill and precision. His story continues to captivate audiences, and his legacy as one of Britain's greatest spies will endure for generations to come.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781951082611