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D**N
This is a thorough history of Special Branch explaining its existence, evolution and eventual demise
I enjoyed the balanced and objective research and explanation of the history of national security and Special Branch's place within that world
F**N
A great read, very enjoyable.
A well researched and presented history which I am sure will be invaluable to historians and serving and/ or retired Police Officers. It should also be of interest to the political classes.
M**E
The best of the best.
This book was well researched and it is a shame that one of the authors (Ian Adams), died before it was published. It should be read with reference to "The Defence of the Realm" by Charistopher Andrew who sketches the history of MI5. There was clearly friction between Special Branch and the Security Service over the years and as the Cold War ended and the Good Friday agreement was signed the Security Service was looking for pastures new to the detriment of Special Branch. However that turf war aside the book is a sound history of the evolution of the Special Branch up to its demise in 2006. It is set against the social history of the late 18th and 19th centuries and the various extremist groups who sought to overthrow our democracy. A great book which can be recommended to students of social and political history, together with all those interested in spies and spooks!
E**S
good
Bought as a present, hit the spot, good book
S**L
Propaganda
Disappointing. There is so much missing here both in cases and context, and it is so one sided an account that it is hardly worth reading. A history but not the history of Special Branch.
R**M
One Star
A very interesting and revealing book
K**H
Five Stars
An excellent very readable history of the organisation!
P**M
An excellent book although I was a uniform officer through 30 ...
An excellent book although I was a uniform officer through 30 years, my brother-in -law was a Commander in the Met Special Branch and through the many years we visited as a family I never had any experiences divulged to me, so he was quite special and very loyal to his job and the security of the Branch. Quite a revelation to read all the jobs that the Branch had to deal with, very good to hear that it is possible to buy this without the threat of the Official Secrets Act being breached.
Trustpilot
2 days ago
1 month ago
