The Happy Traitor

This biography offers an in-depth look at George Blake, the notorious double agent. The Happy Traitor reveals his complex character and the impact of his actions.

This biography offers a comprehensive look at George Blake, the most infamous double agent in British history. The Happy Traitor delves into Blake's life, exploring his early years as a teenage courier for the Dutch underground during World War II and his eventual rise to a senior officer in British Intelligence. Despite his charming and intelligent demeanor, Blake's actions as a double agent for the Soviet Union had severe repercussions for Britain and its intelligence community.

The narrative captures the complexity of Blake's character, portraying him as both a committed patriot on the surface and a ruthless mole underneath. In 1961, he was sentenced to forty-two years in prison for betraying Western operations and the identities of numerous British agents, marking the longest espionage sentence ever handed down by a British court. The biography reveals the duality of his life, highlighting the fascinating, flawed nature of a man whose actions shaped the Cold War.

Through extensive research, personal interviews, and access to Stasi records, journalist Simon Kuper provides an insightful examination of who Blake truly was and the motivations behind his betrayals. The Happy Traitor is not only an informative account of a notorious figure but also a deeply human exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the intricacies of the intelligence world.