The Story of the Resident

Presentation of the book "Sidney Reilly ST-1. In the Web of Secret Services" by Andrew Cook about a prominent spy of the last century, the prototype of James Bond, took place in the capital of Ukraine, Kiev
Presentation of the book "Sidney Reilly ST-1. In the Web of Secret Services" by Andrew Cook about a prominent spy of the last century, the prototype of James Bond, took place in the capital of Ukraine, Kiev.

Historian Andrew Cook from Great Britain is the author of the book. As is known, Sidney Reilly worked for the British special services; he was one of the organizers of a plot against the Soviet communist leader Vladimir Lenin in 1918. For the insolent attempt, the Soviet authorities sentenced Reilly to death, but the spy escaped. Later, the United State Political Department of the Soviet Union created a fictitious anti-Soviet organization called "Trest" especially to trap Reilly. Sidney Reilly was caught and secretly shot in Moscow's Sokolniki Park on November 5, 1925. Only one participant of the “Trest” operation, Boris Gudz has managed to live up to our times. Historian Andrew Cook interviewed him. According to Boris Gudz, it was Joseph Stalin himself who ordered to liquidate the spy.

What features of Sidney Reilly did Jan Fleming copy for his James Bond? Andrew Cook says that these are first of all Reilly's love for gorgeous suits, luxurious hotels and delicate food. The historian says that the famous spy was the master of impersonation. James Bond, as well as Sidney Reilly enjoyed tremendous popularity among women.

Andrew Cook said during the presentation of his new book: "I saw the James Bond series and read two books about the spy published in Great Britain. The books contained contradictory information. I wanted to know the truth." As the historian worked in the Foreign Ministry and then worked as an assistant to British Minister of Defense George Robertson (now the NATO secretary general) and John Spellar, he had access to classified archives. He studied 2,000 classified publications of documents and wrote a biography of the famous spy, probably the most complete as of today.

Photo: Andrew Cook autographing his new book

Vedomosti