image of person or book cover 3888839535855013001.jpg
Image courtesy of publisher's website.
Issue Details: First known date: 2021... 2021 The Life of a Spy : An Education in Truth, Lies and Power
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

'I was no James Bond with a licence to kill, but I did work with the British intelligence services and for the CIA. I had guns pointed at me, death threats issued, a price placed on my head.

'In 1971, Rod Barton applied for a junior scientist role in the Australian Department of Defence. Little did he know what it entailed: as the Cold War intensified, Barton was inducted into the murky world of espionage.

'For the next few decades, Barton lived a life straight from an adventure novel. In war-torn Mogashidu, he disarmed militia, while sleeping in rat-infested barracks. As a UN weapons inspector, he flew to Baghdad on special missions, interviewing top scientists to uncover an illegal weapons program, and raced to chemical firms across Europe, tracking materials sold to the Iraqis. 

'After 9/11, Barton became senior advisor to Hans Blix, seeking the truth on Iraq’s WMDs. His clashes with the CIA over what he saw – and what he didn’t find – reveal the terrible politicisation of the War on Terror. It prompted him to step from the shadows and share a truth about Iraqi prisoners – and to tussle with the Australian government.

'This is an extraordinary behind-the-scenes account of a world marked by risk, secrecy and individual acts of courage. The Life of a Spy will introduce you to a man of principle in a time of chaos, and take you to the frontlines of politics and war.' (Publication summary)

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

    • Carlton, Parkville - Carlton area, Melbourne - North, Melbourne, Victoria,: Black Inc. , 2021 .
      image of person or book cover 3888839535855013001.jpg
      Image courtesy of publisher's website.
      Extent: 304p.p.
      Note/s:
      • Published 4 May 2021

      ISBN: 9781743821763 (ebk), 9781760642778 (pbk)

Works about this Work

Spy Versus Spies Stephen Mills , 2021 single work review
— Appears in: Inside Story , May 2021;

— Review of The Life of a Spy : An Education in Truth, Lies and Power Rod Barton , 2021 single work autobiography

'Weapons inspector Rod Barton assigns to the CIA a large share of the blame for the invasion of Iraq'

Spy Versus Spies Stephen Mills , 2021 single work review
— Appears in: Inside Story , May 2021;

— Review of The Life of a Spy : An Education in Truth, Lies and Power Rod Barton , 2021 single work autobiography

'Weapons inspector Rod Barton assigns to the CIA a large share of the blame for the invasion of Iraq'

Last amended 31 May 2021 14:40:39
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