The Fourth Protocol Mass Market Paperback – September 1, 1985

This is my second Forsyth book, after I read "Fist of Gd" (I am looking forward to "Jackal" and "Dogs") and it seems Forsyth wrote it with readers like me in mind. This one is much superior to "Fist". I rarely read fiction, generally much preferring books on history, particularly that of the 20th century, but Forsyth has written a very accessible novel that is almost frighteningly realistic. I very much appreciate all the research he has done, informing the reader on matters such as about how MI6 is structured and operates, how the SAS carries out operations, how surveillance is carried out on a suspect (a very tedious and expensive business!) and how security is maintained at the ports of entry of the country, how intelligence regarding national security is amassed and how the intelligence organs of hostile countries relate to one another.Finally I can attest that he really does his homework as I have seen in his use of Hebrew words which are always transliterated and translated correctlyHighly recommended.

A well planned heist sets everything into motion in this gripping, detailed thriller. highly enjoyable especially the descriptions of the surveillance teams and the unmasking of a double agent which point to the tenacity of the main protagonist. Although you do have to wonder about how a chance burglary and then a mugging later on in the book help move the plot along. Also how the chief investigator is in the right place and the right time to connect all the dots. Otherwise a very well written book

The Fourth Protocol is a superb Cold War spy story, set in the mid-1980s at the the height of the Cold War. Without giving anything away, the story is set in Britain. The "Hard Left" has been plotting for decades to effect a legal takeover of the Labour Party. Elements within the Soviet government would like to assist the Hard Left in order to bring about, through process of law, a Communist, pro-Soviet Government in Britain. Therein lies a fascinating and plausible tale of espionage and the stakes could not be higher.The thing that distinguishes this particular story is its authenticity and plausibility. As always, author Forsyth has meticulously researched every detail in this novel. Everything from the bureaucratic infighting within MI-5 to the details of the organization of the KGB and Soviet government, are simply correct. Nothing in this story strains the readers credulity. This detailed novel is one of those page-turners that many readers will read multiple times, each time gleaning and appreciating additional details of the intricate plot.This is one of Forsyth's many winners. Recommended. RJB.

One of the best that I have read in the last couple of years. Only Forsythe can come up with such a plot. I am amazed at the kind of insight he brings in to the plot, characters and the sequence of events. On a lighter note, I am surprised why the Russians did not kidnap/tried to harm him after reading this..!

Frederick Forsyth writes novels of espionage and intrigue that enthrall the reader throughout. The Fourth Protocol is no different. Like his other books, it is masterfully detailed without being overwhelming.John Preston, a latecomer to intelligence work after a career as a soldier, is tasked to find out how the Soviets are acquiring military secrets. That foray will take him into South Africa, and events that go back to World War II. At the same time, in the Soviet Union, two years before it actually imploded, a nefarious plot is developed by the notorious traitor Kim Philby, and sactioned by the Soviet Premier, who views himself as a failure and must accomplish one great event before his end comes. As plotted out, the Communists will cause such disruption in Britain as Margaret Thatcher seeks a third term as Prime Minister that the country will turn to Labour, leading to the hard left hammer and sickle thugs to depose a newly elected PM, who is considered by Moscow as too moderate and thus, simply take over the country, democratic principles be damned. An anti-nuke, anti-American Britain would make it a wonderful world, at least in the eyes of the murderous monolith.Among the devices to be used to this end is what is called a miniaturized nuclear device, its components brought into England piece by piece through the use of various courriers, Soviet and otherwise. That this would be a violation of a nuclear arms treaty is of no concern to the Premier and Philby.Preston, loyal to the head of M15 who is slowly dying, is not favored by the presumed successor, who, thoroughly political, has his own agenda and own favorites. With the help of another high British official, who agrees with his analysis, Preston is able to make various end runs around his detractor.John LeCarre, always ambivalent about the morality of spycraft, even when the good guys engage in it, and whose personal politics are on the Angry Left, called his political opposite, Frederick Forsyth, the best in the business. For once, LeCarre got it right.

I got confused with all the characters in this, and then got bored. Good story though, but a little 'stuffy' in the telling.

The book was in very good condition and I thank you for it. I gave you 5 dtars

I loved this book when I first read it ages ago, loved it again when my wife and I read it together. True, it starts quite slowly, but not books of this genre do. It's a classic Cold War thriller, a David against Goliath struggle of our hero. I also bought the DVD, loved it, too.