Keith Jeffery, MRIA is a Northern Irish historian specializing in modern British, British Imperial, and Irish history. Having obtained his BA, MA, and PhD (1978) degrees from St. John's College, Cambridge, the latter under the supervision of John Andrew Gallagher, he is currently the Professor of British history at Queen's University Belfast.[1] In 1998, Jeffery served as the Lees Knowles Lecturer at Trinity College, Cambridge, and in 2003–4 the Parnell Fellow in Irish Studies at Magdalene College, Cambridge. He has also held visiting positions at the Australian National University, the Australian Defence Force Academy and Deakin University. Although much of his work has been devoted to military history, his research has more recently focused on the history of intelligence gathering. In 2005, he was commissioned by the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) to write an authorized history for the organization's centenary, covering its founding in 1909 up through to 1949.[2] This work is scheduled for publication in 2010.[3] A similar study, The Defence of the Realm, was recently published by Christopher Andrew for the Security Service (MI5).

A groundbreaking book, this unprecedented study is the authoritative account of the best-known intelligence organization in the world. Essential reading for anyone interested in the history of espionage, the two world wars, modern British government and the conduct of international relations in the first half of the twentieth century, "MI6: The History of the Secret Intelligence Service 1909-1949" is a uniquely important examination of the role and significance of intelligence in the modern world.

'Judicious and fluently written history...a fascinating insight into a hidden world, an impressive work of scholarship with terrific photos' --Andrew Lownie, Sunday Telegraph, 26/09/10

`A very fine book...full of episode and personality' --Peter Hennessy, Daily Telegraph, 25/09/10

'A magisterial account of the two wars in particular, viewed via the prism of secret intelligence. Winningly, it also entertains.' --Mark Sellek, Independent on Sunday, 26/09/10

`Jeffery's monograph is extremely valuable... a realistic picture of a splendid British institution' --Oleg Gordievsky, The Times, 25/09/10

`Fascinating...the book is full of examples of the ingenuity and courage shown by all ranks.'

--Douglas Hurd, Guardian, 02/10/10