
Sir Paul Henry Dukes was a British intelligence officer and author, known for his work with MI6 during a tumultuous period in history. Born in 1889, Dukes served as a spy in the early 20th century, where his experiences in espionage deeply influenced his literary career. His writings often reflected the intrigue and complexities of the intelligence world, blending elements of fiction with his real-life experiences. He authored several novels, including 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' and 'The Last of the Great Spies', which showcased his unique perspective on espionage and the moral dilemmas faced by those in the field. Dukes's contributions to literature and intelligence were significant, as he was one of the few authors who could authentically portray the life of a spy from firsthand experience. His works not only entertained but also provided insight into the psychological and ethical challenges of espionage. Through his narratives, Dukes helped to shape the public's understanding of intelligence work during a critical time in history, leaving a legacy that intertwined the worlds of literature and espionage.
“Queer Squatters of Apple Island! Queer of Spades! he thought. (His friend the old widower he’d known since the war had told him about the article in the paper and the postcards in the general store.) That’s right; I am queer, from queer folk, queer stock. The very queerest. Here we are, stuck on an island, a hollow, a swamp, the desert, no sooner settled than banished again. You bet I’m queer. I’m no landlord nor lawyer, no duke nor lord of the looms. I’m no cap doffer, no knee bender, no flattering stooge. I draw no writs; I pass no judgments. I set no seals. I tip no scales. No, not me; I’m queer. I’m queer for my self, for my selfhood, queer for this queer self I find myself to be, queer with strange appetites,””
“The Duke of Windsor is there, together with such other losers as General Howard-Vyse and General Gamelin.14 All look entirely inadequate to the cynicism, efficiency, brutality, and bloody-mindedness that will be required to win the war. As””
“You have no idea how hard it is to live out a great romance. -Wallace Simpson””