The Most Formidable Spy in History

As part of this year's Chelsea History Festival, Owen Matthews tells the thrilling true story of Richard Sorge, a spy whose actions turned the tide of the Second World War.

Born to a German father and a Russian mother, Richard Sorge became a fanatical communist – and the Soviet Union's most notorious spy.

Combining charm with manipulation, Sorge extracted closely guarded state secrets without going undercover. As a foreign correspondent, he influenced the highest echelons of German, Chinese and Japanese society. His intelligence proved pivotal to the Soviets and influenced the outcome of the Second World War.

Reporter and author of 'An Impeccable Spy', Owen Matthews tells us Sorge's story from a fresh perspective. He draws on material from Soviet archives, as well as the testimonies of those who knew him.

This event is followed by a book signing with the author.