Under Every Leaf, William. Beaver

'Anywhere in the world, where a leaf moves, underneath you will find an Englishman.' Farsi proverb Much has been written about espionage, secret agents and MI6 missions abroad -- but what of the origins of British Intelligence as we know it today? This is the story of intelligence at the height of the British Empire and the characters that shaped its narrative. William Beaver delves into the mysterious Intelligence Division of the War Office, whose shrewd observations and analysis of international events provided the basis for modern military espionage and changed the landscape of the British Empire from India to South Africa. Focusing on the years between the Crimean War and the formation of MI5 and MI6 at the start of the twentieth century, Beaver charts the Intelligence Division's course from a misunderstood army unit to an elite body central to the British military. Under Every Leaf is a rollicking adventure into the minds behind the muscle of the British Army -- their successes, sacrifices and expertise in weaving a global net of information. 'This magnificent and very welcome book fills a large gap in our knowledge of British intelligence before the advent of MI5 and the Secret Intelligence Service, dispelling the myth that nineteenth century Britain was unwilling to sully its hands with espionage activities. Extensively researched and powerfully written, it is a must for anyone interested in the Great Game that Queen Victoria's spies played in defence of her Empire.' -- Michael Smith, author of SIX: The Real James Bonds 1909-1939