From antiquity to the present, women have played important roles in the dangerous world of espionage. These dynamic, intelligent personalities are often overlooked in history, though they have served just as nobly as their male counterparts. They have dodged bullets, remained silent under torture, and risked their lives in countless ways. Their work has affected the outcome of battles, wars, and elections.

If not for the determination, patriotism, and unwavering courage of female spies, world history may have run a radically different course. This comprehensive volume, the first of its kind, focuses long-deserved attention on the role of women in espionage. It features the remarkable biographies of 150 female spies, carefully selected for their varied expertise and unique contributions.

The book's entries convey many of the reasons women become spies, including revenge, patriotism, circumstances, and in a few cases, sheer boredom. They also help distinguish between myth and legend - those who were genuine spies and those whose reputations far exceeded their actions. Herein lie tales of love, intrigue, revenge, moral dilemma, double agents, loyal wives, consorts, and seduction - an exotic journey through centuries of clandestine operations.