Die Unsichtbaren

Women Undercover: The Influence of Female Secret Agents in Germany

James Bond and Jason Bourne shape our perception of the work of intelligence agencies. However, in reality, women have also been active as agents. Since the time of the German Empire, many women have worked for German and international intelligence services. They steal military documents, monitor and sabotage their opponents, recruit informants, and unmask enemy spies. Yet, despite female agents being on par with their male counterparts, their influence on history has been underestimated to this day. Maik Baumgärtner and Ann-Katrin Müller have researched their secret cases from the past hundred years, evaluated numerous files, and spoken with former and active female secret agents who have served in or for Germany. In this book, the two SPIEGEL journalists share their stories and reveal who the women were that paved the way for today's generation of female spies. Features: includes illustrations.