author
Paul Dukes
1889–1967
A real-life spy as well as a writer, he turned his extraordinary experiences in revolutionary Russia into gripping memoirs and reflections. His life moved from music and travel to intelligence work, politics, and spiritual inquiry, giving his books an unusual range and energy.
1 Audiobook
About the author
Born in Bridgwater, Somerset, on February 10, 1889, Paul Dukes studied music in St Petersburg and worked in Russia before the upheavals of the revolutionary years. During and after World War I, he became known for dangerous intelligence work in Soviet Russia, where he reportedly used a series of disguises while helping British operations.
He later wrote books drawn from those experiences, including Red Dusk and the Morrow and The Story of "ST 25". His writing combines first-hand adventure with a close interest in Russia, European politics, and the moral questions raised by war and revolution.
Dukes was also interested in spiritual life and helped introduce yoga and related ideas to British readers. He was knighted in 1920 and died on August 27, 1967, remembered as a rare figure whose career joined art, espionage, and authorship.