With multi-million copies sold of Colditz, Agent Sonya, SAS: Rogue Heroes, The Spy and the Traitor, Agent Zigzag, Operation Mincemeat and A Spy Among Friends, Ben Macintyre is one of the world’s most esteemed and popular historians, as well as a columnist and associate editor at The Times, and with prior roles as their correspondent in New York, Paris and Washington.

According to master thriller writer Mick Herron, Macintyre’s books “set the gold standard for accurate historical reporting, but read like heart-pounding thrillers”, so it’s no wonder many have also reached new audiences via their riveting film and TV adaptations.

His latest book – The Siege – which recounts the SAS’ dramatic six-day hostage rescue mission at the Iranian Embassy in 1980 has been called “masterly” by the New York Times and been kept in the bestseller lists by his legions of readers.

He speaks with Finlay Macdonald.

Supported by Platinum Patrons Susan & Gavin Walker.