'C': A Biography of Sir Maurice Oldfield Head of MI6

Macdonald, London, 1985. First Edition. Hardcover. Good Condition (ex-library)/Very Good. First Impression. Size: 8vo Octavo (standard book size). 279 pages. Text body is clean, and free from previous owner annotation, underlining and highlighting. Binding is tight, covers and spine fully intact. No foxing in this copy. Dust Jacket is in as new condition, apart from normal shop shelf wear - contains no tears or chips or other damage. All edges clean, neat and free of foxing. Ex-library book with usual marks, stickers & stamps however the text is largely unmarked and in very good condition throughout.. This book is available and will be shipped within two business days. All items are tracked and details are available on request.. This fascinating biography, the first of any head of the secret service, brings to life a complex, likeable man, someone with a supreme gift for blending into the background yet also possessed of a fine sense of humour, an ability to make long-lasting friendships and a complete lack of self-importance. Oldfield's rapid grasp of people and situations often served him well: he was among the first to suspect Philby and during the Cuban missile crisis of 1962 his belief in Colonel Oleg Penkovsky helped persuade the Americans that the documents leaked by Penkovsky were indeed genuine. Later his appreciation of the need for first-class intelligence from South America helped avert a Falklands war in 1977. In his portrait Richard Deacon considers the often-quoted view that Oldfield served as a prototype for the fictional George Smiley of John Le Carre's novels, but the person he describes is altogether more attractive. Quietly patriotic, deeply attached to his family and his birthplace, Sir Maurice Oldfield will be remembered as a great friend and benefactor as well as a formidable intelligence chief. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 1 kilogram. Category: Biography & Autobiography; Britain/UK; 1970s; History. ISBN: 0356104001. ISBN/EAN: 9780356104003. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 5308. . 9780356104003