Elliott & Thompson acquires first biography of ‘British agent’ in Moscow, Sir Robert Bruce Lockhart

Elliott & Thompson will publish the first biography of ‘British agent’ in Moscow, Sir Robert Bruce Lockhart. 

Robin Harvie, executive publisher, commissioned and acquired world rights to Rogue Agent: From Secret Plots to Psychological Warfare, The Untold Story of Robert Bruce Lockhart by James Crossland, from the Andrew Lownie Literary Agency. The book will be published in hardback and e-book on 19th September 2024. Pippa Crane, senior editor, is now working on it.  

The synopsis says: “From the jungles of Malaysia to the snowy streets of Moscow, from the private clubs of Prague to secret bases in Bedfordshire, Lockhart’s story is one of scandals and subversion, bitter truths and cunning deceptions, scattered across an age of war, revolution and extremism.  

“Drawn from years of research into private papers and top-secret documents, Rogue Agent is the first biography of Sir Robert Bruce Lockhart: a diplomat, intelligence agent, journalist, author and propagandist. Lockhart was a key figure in both Anglo-Soviet relations in the early stages of the Cold War, and the development of psychological warfare. Yet he died mostly unremembered and near destitute, becoming little more than a footnote in the pages of history.” 

Crane said: “Lockhart’s story is a fascinating one, and James has brought it alive with a page-turning narrative that I couldn’t put down. The level of research and historical detail is clear at every turn, and we’re so delighted to be publishing the biography of this important figure.” 

Crossland added: “After 10 years, I’m so happy to have completed Rogue Agent – the story of Robert Bruce Lockhart’s life. He was a fascinating character. Diplomat, conspirator, intelligence gatherer, propagandist, and charmer, Lockhart was one of the most politically well-connected people of the 1930s and 40s, playing a key role in the burgeoning Cold War between Russia and the West and making unsung contributions to Britain’s psychological warfare against the Third Reich. His story, however, has been untold. Until now.”