Swords for Hire tells how a considerable proportion of the able-bodied male population of Scotland at one time sought service on behalf of almost every dynasty and monarch on the continent. Some were fleeing from justice, others went to seek fame and fortune – and found it.

Using his own colourful experiences as a starting point, Joe Pieri looks back at the long history of the Scots-Italians.

‘Excellent’ – Robert Kee, Observer

‘the most complete account to date . . . an impressive job, by turns subtle in its political analysis and gripping in its narrative drive’ – New York Times

Based on original archive material and interviews with surviving members of SOE and Czech military intelligence, this story of the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich is as exciting and strange as a spy thriller.