The story of a criminal, master spy and con artist, and double agent for Britain and Germany during WW II. Eddie Chapman conned the upper classes who ran and manned both the German Abwehr and the British MI5. The spy runners were all easily charmed and manipulated by Chapman, who was only out for money and fame, although he was supposedly quite useful to the British. On both Allied and Axis sides, the individuals involved had a lot invested in the success of these projects.
The fascinating aspect of the story is that Chapman had the nerve, the intelligence, and controlled grandiosity to actually go into German held territory twice, remaining there for months each time, then parachute into England twice, and at the same time, quell the suspicions of the spy masters. He had the ability to socialize with and make friends with his minders, who liked him enormously while looking down on him. According to MacIntyre, he worked hard to memorize details, learn languages, etc. My suspicions are that he learned enough and read enough just to show off and make an impression on the average unsuspicious person.
As all con artists and sociopaths do, he used his victims' superiority against them. By letting them look down on him and believe they are more intelligent and have power, he controls them. They, including the author, naively never quite realize that his motivation is solely money and thrills or the totallity of his betrayal.
Macintyre's theme is that even a harded criminal and incorrigible liar like Chapman was loyal to England, which means he also was conned. I am surprized that the book had such acclaim (as bragged about on the cover), but then the publishing industry will promote one of its own. However, it is well researched and well written and I see he has now written another book, which I will read.
In any case, a great story well researched and well told, set in one of the most interesting times in living memory with lots of historical detail.
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