A History of the World in Spy Objects
By SPYSCAPE
The Enigma Machine. The B2 stealth bomber. The poisoned-tipped umbrella. Napoleon’s Briefcase of Secrets. As long as there has been conflict, there have been spies, and as long as there have been spies, there have been incredible gadgets and iconic objects. These are the stories of the tools that power the world of espionage, hosted by Alice Loxton. Hit FOLLOW to get episodes every week. Get episodes early and ad-free with Spyscape+.
Latest episode
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Jung Chang: Chairman Mao Badge
Lauded writer Jung Chang joins Alice Loxton to revisit a childhood characterized by surveillance and prohibition. -
Manya Kullmann: Castro’s Keepsakes
Print designer Manya Kullman tells Alice Loxton the story of her grandmother, Galina, a KGB spy who won the affections of a revolutionary leader at the height of the Cold War. -
Tim Marlow: The Welbike
Design Museum CEO Tim Marlow and host Alex Loxton discuss the folding motorcycle used by SEO operatives on their missions into war torn Europe. -
Alexander Cary: Kim Philby Papers
Screenwriter Alexander Cary and host Alice Loxton unpick the unfinished memoir of Kim Philby. -
Kengo Kuma: Nijo Jinya Hotel
Architect Kengo Kuma joins host Alice Loxton to discuss a Kyoto guest house where, in Japan’s Edo era silent ninjas stalked the corridors in search of secrets. -
Gary Powers Jr: U2 Spy Plane
Gary Powers Jr. and host Alice Loxton discuss the legendary U2 spy plane and the life of its most famous pilot, Gary's dad. -
Tom Ayling: Secret Service Payments Book
Antiquarian bookseller Tom Ayling and host Alice Loxton guide us through the secret affairs of King William III – with direct access to the payments that he kept away from prying eyes. -
Trevor Paglen: Skynet
Artist and author Trevor Paglen joins host Alice Loxton to shine a light on Skynet which farms metadata to decide who lives and who dies. -
Simon Menner: The Coffee Pot
Photographer and archivist Simon Menner joins Alice Loxton to unravel a Cold War domestic mystery centered around a coffee pot. -
The Cultural Tutor: Napoleon’s Briefcase
Sheehan Quirke aka The Cultural Tutor and Alice Loxton open Napoleon's briefcase and discuss the delights within.
