Historical Dictionary of British Spy Fiction

Spy fiction continues to be one of the most popular literature genres, and Historical Dictionary of British Spy Fiction is a worthy addition to the shelf. Written by prolific independent film scholar Burton, it provides a comprehensive overview of the spy story in literature, cinema, and television, focusing solely on the British contribution to this genre. It begins with an annotated chronology, and a scholarly introduction follows, which discusses various aspects of the genre as well as past and emerging trends. This introduction contextualizes the 200-plus entries that follow. Each substantive entry discusses a writer, character, novel, film/television dramatization, or genre trope (e.g., brainwashing) and includes useful cross-references. The book finishes with a lengthy bibliography organized into themed categories prefaced by a table of contents, making it a useful finding tool. . . .[T]his source is more handbook than dictionary, providing an entrée into scholarly exploration of this genre for students, researchers, and general readers. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All libraries/levels. * CHOICE *
This book provides extensive information on the contribution of Great Britain to the genre of spy fiction.... The introduction is one of the best, concise explanations of the history of the British spy novel both as a literary and film genre that I know of. This book is an important addition to any public or academic library's reference shelf. * American Reference Books Annual *
[T]his dictionary will appeal to libraries serving the general reading public and those providing reference materials for students, lecturers and scholars. Alan Burton is a well-informed expert guide to the field…. For the money, then, the librarian is bound to reflect on what one gets here: in word, you pay a lot but get a lot. Already it is clear to see that this work contains many spy stories that will or may have passed the general reader by and also contains many references and sources the expert will be pleased to see…. [T]his is a value-for-money product, capturing the moment in a genre that is continually evolving…. This work builds on a wealth of reference material that appeared some time back and so it is welcome. * s *