As part of the 'Historical Dictionaries of Intelligence and Counterintelligence' series, this one-volume work offers over 400 cross-referenced entries on the Allied Powers' and Central Powers' military, naval, and signals intelligence and espionage. Entries span intelligence groups and key individuals as well as critical events and places that shaped intelligence gathering during the period; the entries do not overlap with those in previous dictionaries in the series. To complement the dictionary entries, longtime series author West (Centre for Counterintelligence and Security Studies) offers a chronology, an introductory essay, a thematic bibliography, and an appendix–the 'MI5 Special War List.' Whether used as a stand-alone volume or as a complement to other intelligence/counterintelligence or WW I reference materials, this dictionary is a timely addition to the study of the period. It will be useful to undergraduates and the general public alike, particularly during this centenary year of the war's beginning. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates; general readers.

Choice Reviews

West has created a handy one-volume dictionary of intelligence activities during World War I. World War I saw the introduction of many technological advances in the area of military intelligence, including submarines, sea mines, torpedoes armored tanks, and mechanized cavalry, just to name a few. Also influential were the use of train watching, bridge watching air-bone reconnaissance, and radio interception, which all had a profound impact on the war. Most nations today engage in this sort of intelligence gathering activity. This dictionary is number 17 of a publisher’s series on Historical Dictionaries of Intelligence and Counterintelligence. The author covers a variety of topics in the dictionary, from large agencies to specific operatives. Also covered are locations, projects, and devices used in World War I intelligence. West includes in the volume a chronology, list of acronyms and abbreviations, a bibliography, and an index. The bibliography is classified into topics (e.g., allies, Central Powers, espionage, naval intelligence) and consists primarily of basic additional readings. The dictionary is well done and will provide a handy and informative addition to reference shelves dealing with World War I.

American Reference Books Annual

WWI intelligence students and historians will find [Historical Dictionary of] World War I Intelligence a useful reference. . . .[it is] a valuable starting point for those who want to know more about espionage history.

Intelligencer