The life of Marcus Wolf, told by himself - in letters and notes to family, friends, comrades-in-arms

   Translation from German, translator I. F. Ganieva

In the lead-up to what would have been his 90th birthday a book was published with Markus Wolf's letters and notes to his family, friends and associates. These were lovingly picked by his widow and companion for many years, Andrea Wolf, and her daughter Claudia Wall.

For the overwhelming majority of people who lived during Soviet times, the name Markus Wolf – writer, intelligence officer, internationalist – speaks volumes. The son of German intelligentsia and anti-fascists grew up in emigration in the USSR. For more than 30 years he headed one of the most powerful and effective intelligence services in the world. After his retirement in 1986, Wolf devoted himself fully to literary work.