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The Cambridge Five Cold War Spy Ring: Philby, Burgess, Maclean, Blunt & Cairncross (423)
The incredible story of the five most damaging spies in
British history, from their recruitment at Cambridge University to their
infiltration of the government and the security services, all while
successfully eluding prosecution.
I speak with Shawnna Morris the author of a new book The
Cambridge Spy Ring: The Treachery of the Five Who Got Away.
We explore the backgrounds, motivations, and the intricate web of espionage that defined the lives of Kim Philby, Donald McLean, John Cairncross, Guy Burgess, and Anthony Blunt.
The Cambridge Five's legacy is one of betrayal, loyalty, and
moral ambiguity. Their actions had far-reaching consequences, not only for themselves but for the intelligence community and the political landscape of the time.
Episode extra including video interviews of the Cambridge Five here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode423/
Book Giveaway entry (until 4th Oct 2025) https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway1/
Related episodes
Guy Burgess and the Cambridge Spy Ring https://pod.fo/e/a5e38
Charlotte Philby talks about her grandfather Soviet spy Kim Philby & her book “Edith & Kim” https://pod.fo/e/115bd7
An evening with Kim Philby https://pod.fo/e/d8080
The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.
Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
View all episodes
By Ian Sanders
4.8
436436 ratings
The incredible story of the five most damaging spies in
British history, from their recruitment at Cambridge University to their
infiltration of the government and the security services, all while
successfully eluding prosecution.
I speak with Shawnna Morris the author of a new book The
Cambridge Spy Ring: The Treachery of the Five Who Got Away.
We explore the backgrounds, motivations, and the intricate web of espionage that defined the lives of Kim Philby, Donald McLean, John Cairncross, Guy Burgess, and Anthony Blunt.
The Cambridge Five's legacy is one of betrayal, loyalty, and
moral ambiguity. Their actions had far-reaching consequences, not only for themselves but for the intelligence community and the political landscape of the time.
Episode extra including video interviews of the Cambridge Five here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode423/
Book Giveaway entry (until 4th Oct 2025) https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway1/
Related episodes
Guy Burgess and the Cambridge Spy Ring https://pod.fo/e/a5e38
Charlotte Philby talks about her grandfather Soviet spy Kim Philby & her book “Edith & Kim” https://pod.fo/e/115bd7
An evening with Kim Philby https://pod.fo/e/d8080
The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.
Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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