Spycraft
Tricks and Tools of the Dangerous Trade from Elizabeth I to the Restoration

I've just finished this fascinating guide to 16th and 17th century spycraft and loved every second! It's packed full of interesting stories about the intelligencers working behind the scenes through some of the most important events of early modern Europe, from the execution of Mary Queen of Scots t......more

Fairly interesting, but didn’t quite do it. The book takes a look at the most common “spy” techniques practiced in 16th and 17th century England, and walks the reader through their practical use within history. The methods explored can be condensed to the following three subjects: letters (forgery a......more

"Spycraft" by Nadine Akkerman and Pete Langman offers an engaging dive into early espionage, revealing the ingenious methods and tools used by spies. I learned a lot through the authors' archival research. It was illuminating. History's clandestine operations were made vivid and accessible. I recomm......more

A pretty good overview of how letters were forged in the old days. Detailed information about different inks and methods to prevent letter openings. And an even more thorough overview of how everything was still read and forged again. No action, just pure science book ;)......more

A handsome book but, despite the subject matter, it's flat.......more