This book explores the intriguing success of left-wing amateur intelligence workers who were recruited to the Soviet intelligence services from the United States, Britain, Europe, Australia and Canada from the 1930's to the 1950's.

From the 1930s to the 1950s a large number of left-wing men and women in the USA, Britain, Europe, Australia and Canada were recruited to the Soviet intelligence services. They were amateurs and the reason for their success is intriguing. Using Soviet archives, this work explores these successes.

'I recommend Espionage and the Roots of the Cold War as a starting point for those not expert in the history of Soviet intelligence activities and their use of communist party members as spies. It is very well researched and written, has impeccable sourcing, an impressive bibliography and a well-developed central thesis.' - H-Net 'One is immediately struck by the book's ambitious scope. In a refreshing departure, the author seeks to go beyond the narrowly framed studies so common in the literature - whether the focus is on country, party, group or individual.' - Australian Historical Studies