Secrets, Lies, Gizmos and Spies: A History of Spies and Espionage

This is an awesome book. It was written by the author, with the International Spy Museum, from where I assume most of the pictures come. The book is extremely attractive, colorful, and full of photos. Like a scrapbook, each page is a different color. The book discusses different spies--male and female--throughout the years, including stories about carrier pigeons, the Navajo code talkers, different operations, spy rings, etc. There are so many unknown and unusual stories in this book!--If I were talented, I would want to delve further into any of them and build up a story around it. Like the horse who was hid in the upstairs library. The pigeon who persevered although blind and crippled. Or the wooden carving of the U.S. seal given to the ambassador as a gift by adoring children--which secretly hid a listening "bug." You will enjoy this book. It is the most fantastic book I know about spying--and I don't even like history!

I really enjoyed this book. It is full of great photos and is a fun and easy read for kids (and adults too). It has a ton of interesting historical information and is perfect for any kid with an inquisitive mind and an interest in history and invention.