"Brian Stewart's book is an educative one. His life and career took in many of the formative wars of the 20th century. Helpfully demystifying, the book is written in clear and frank language: it cuts through the circumlocutions of officialese. He is particularly clear in his view of the process that led to the 2002 dossier on Iraq, which he includes in a section on intelligence failures. Overall, the life that Stewart depicts is more George Smiley than James Bond. A sobering lesson. And a good, useful book from a remarkable man."-- Gerard Russell, Literary Review "Why Spy? is a great introduction to the intelligence field, especially for American consumers of intelligence: the policy-maker and the military decision-maker.

"-- Parameters (US Army War College) "Brian Stewart's musings on his long career in intelligence-related work - ably aided by the researcher Samantha Newbery - have the aroma of a good whisky, well-distilled. Stewart takes a historical and philosophical perspective, rightly emphasising that 'good assessment is the key to good intelligence' and regretfully observing that 'it has been well said that customers sometimes use intelligence as a drunk uses a lamp post: for support, not illumination.' . His book reads like an extended ambassadorial valedictory, as they used to be - and is all the better for it." -- The Spectator "[F]ascinating . [Why Spy's] four parts are divided into 13 short chapters, which are in fact concise essays on all aspects of spying. The chapters on types of intelligence, how intelligence is (or should be) assessed and deception operations are riveting, full of illuminating detail." -- The Scotsman "An interesting, thoughtful and readable book .

There is much to ponder over." -- Asian Affairs "Stewart . argues from deep experience with intelligence in the Malayan crisis, service as a diplomat in Hanoi, as secretary to the Joint Intelligence Committee, and long experience in China. [His book is] elegantly written and a delight to read.'"-- The World Today "Drawing on a lifetime of personal experience and wisdom Brian Stewart, together with his co-author Samantha Newbury, explains why nations engage in espionage and how intelligence can impact on policy-making for good or ill. The authors do not shy away from addressing the more controversial aspects of intelligence work but make a convincing case that in this arena issues cannot be seen in black or white terms. This book, written with a deceptively light touch, is an important contribution to the field of intelligence studies."-- Nigel Inkster, Director of Transnational Threats and Political Risk, IISS, and former Director of Operations and Intelligence for the British Secret Intelligence Service.