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Those curious about what being James Bond or George Smiley would really be like will finally have the chance when the one-of-a-kind International Spy Museum opens this Friday in Washington, D.C. The new museum, which is unaffiliated with any government agency, traces the history of the world's second-oldest profession from biblical times to the present. It promises to be a fascinating, fun, and high-tech affair complete with historical artifacts and sneaky gadgets.

Exhibits at the museum include a letter written by George Washington requesting money for the Continental Army that was eventually used to establish an intelligence network; a replica of the Aston Martin from "Goldfinger;" profiles of famous personalities (Julia Child?!?) who were involved in international espionage; and an in-depth look at what happened behind the scenes in the U.S. and U.S.S.R. during the Cold War. Throughout the museum, an interactive environment challenges visitors to uphold a fake cover identity, make and break secret codes, and identify secret operatives and surveillance equipment.

If you are unfortunately unable to satisfy your inner wannabe P.I. by taking a trip to the International Spy Museum in the near future, don't despair-- the spy-novel genre includes acres and acres of books that are perfect for these long summer days. Here, we narrow it down to a list of six smashing titles.

The Bourne Identity
by Robert Ludlum
In this long-time best-selling novel that spawned the recent hit movie starring Matt Damon, an unconscious man is fished out of the Mediterranean Sea and wakes up from his coma a complete amnesiac. However, a piece of microfilm on his body, evidence of plastic surgery, and finding out that he's proficient in three foreign languages and hand-to-hand combat leads the man to a Swiss bank account where he figures out who he is: an international spy named Jason Bourne. But who is trying to kill him, and why? One of the prolific Ludlum's most enjoyable novels, the intense and unpredictable Bourne Identity is full of the kind of action and sharp plotting that help define the term "page-turner." Jason Bourne's adventures continue in The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum.

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold
by John Le Carre
Disillusioned British agent Alec Leamas is responsible for keeping a group of double agents working in early Cold War Berlin alive and unnoticed. When they're murdered, Leamas is called back to London where, instead of being discharged from the service as he'd hoped, he's given a frightening assignment that takes him once again behind the Iron Curtain. John Le Carre's powerful third novel is often referred to as one of the best and most realistic spy stories ever written. Drawing from his own experience working for British Intelligence, Le Carre fills this melancholy and morally ambiguous tale of the Cold War with psychological and actual suspense. Consider it the anti-James Bond. Le Carre later introduced his most famous creation, George Smiley, in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

The Red Dancer: The Life And Times Of Mata Hari
by Richard Skinner
One of the most notorious spies in history, the Dutch-born Margaretha Geertruida Zelle changed her name to Mata Hari when she moved to France to escape a failed marriage and start a career as an exotic nude dancer. The charismatic and beautiful young woman became famous throughout Europe during the early 20th-century for her sensual performances, but because of time and age, her popularity eventually faded. During World War I, in order to earn some much-needed money, Zelle agreed to spy for the French against the Germans. However, the British government eventually accused her of spying for the Germans, and she was summarily executed. A mysterious woman who led an even more mysterious life, Mata Hari is given an appropriately enigmatic approach in Richard Skinner's unique fictional biography. Using a combination of first- and third -person narration from historical figures, essays on aspects of early 20th-century life, and historical documents, Skinner walks a compelling line between documentary and mockumentary to deliver a portrait of a woman who was-- and still is --both famous and infamous.

Declare
By Tim Powers
A past Book Sense 76 pick! Derek Hill of Twenty-Third Avenue Books in Portland, OR, says: "Powers' new book mixes espionage hijinks with occult magik and other things supernatural in this ambitious sprawling secret history of the Cold War. Infamous double-agent Kim Philby, Lawrence of Arabia, the Nazis, the Communists, occupied Paris, Biblical angels, the secrets of Mount Ararat, and much much more are all thrown into this strange and intriguing novel. Funny enough it all makes sense! One of Powers' best."

Casino Royale
by Ian Fleming
The novel that started it all. Ian Fleming wrote a total of 14 James Bond novels, of which Casino Royale is the first. The taut and speedy tale of espionage and cool, first published in 1953, finds Bond trying to outwit and humiliate a nefarious Russian villain in an exotic French casino. Of course, he meets some beautiful women along the way and escapes from a deadly trap just in time. Surprisingly dark and in some ways less dated than many of the films, Casino Royale is an explosive and fast-paced introduction to one of the world's most well-known fictional characters.

Harriet The Spy
by Louise Fitzhugh
In this famous and justifiably adored children's classic, intensely inquisitive Harriet is a young aspiring writer who actually spies on her friends and neighbors for material. She jots down and comments frankly on everything she sees and hears in her notebook. Harriet's life takes an ugly turn when she loses the notebook and it falls into the wrong hands. What will she do when everybody she's been spying on reads what she wrote about them? Hilarious, honest, and uncompromising, Harriet The Spy is an incredibly perceptive exploration of the trait that is the foundation for all great spies: curiosity.