Books matching: cia covert operations
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- #1
Save:'The Taking of K-129' by Josh Dean is a detailed and engaging account of one of the most complex and secretive intelligence operations of the Cold War. It narrates the daring covert mission where the CIA used Howard Hughes as a cover to recover a sunken Soviet submarine, K-129, from the depths of the ocean. intricately weaves together the stories of real-life spies, brilliant engineers, government subterfuge, and audacious schemes, providing a riveting tale of espionage, risk-taking, and pushing the boundaries of technology during the Cold War era.
The narrative style of the book guides readers through the knotted history of Cold War intelligence gathering and the covert operation to retrieve the Soviet sub, K-129. It delves into the intricate details of the construction of the Glomar Explorer retrieval vessel, the challenges faced by the engineering teams, and the political maneuvering involved in maintaining secrecy. offers a lively and engaging account of the characters involved, from covert operatives to young engineers, painting a vivid picture of a high-stakes mission shrouded in secrecy and intrigue.
As he often did in the morning, Curtis Crooke was reviewing projects with members of his engineering staff when his intercom chimed. A resolute rail of a man with buzzed hair and metal-rimmed Wayfarer... - #2
Save:'Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties' by authors Dan Piepenbring and Tom O'Neill delves into the infamous Charles Manson case, redefining the narrative surrounding the Manson phenomenon since 1969. O'Neill's Herculean efforts uncover the dark forces at play during the swinging sixties, shedding light on Manson's connections with Hollywood elites and the CIA's covert operations. explores the possibility of Manson being mind controlled or manipulated, drawing parallels between his 'psychedelic brainwashing' techniques and CIA's MK Ultra experiments.
My life took a sharp left-hand turn on March 21, 1999, the day after my fortieth birthday—the day all this started. I was in bed with a hangover, as I’d been after countless birthdays before, and I fe... 'Killing Hope: U.S. Military and C.I.A. Interventions Since World War II' by William Blum is a detailed and heart-wrenching history of the USA's involvement in torture and murder in dozens of different countries in the last 60 years. The book meticulously documents American interventions throughout the world, including well-known events like Korea and Vietnam, as well as lesser-known interventions. Blum's writing style presents a harrowing picture of deceit, denial, and amoral manipulation to secure the industrial military political equilibrium, working chronologically through the last 60 years of political history.
Blum's 'Killing Hope' is described as a devastating attack on America's actual foreign policies, as opposed to the propaganda fed to the public. The book provides a damning view of US CIA policy since WWII, offering highly opinionated hot takes on US actions abroad, covering events from the '53 overthrow of Mossadegh to Dubya's invasion of Panama. The author's meticulous documentation, lack of indulgence in repetition, and use of mainstream sources like the NYT for citations make this book a detailed and shocking reference for understanding US foreign interventions post-WWII.
The two sides had been clashing across the Parallel for several years. What happened on that fateful day in June could thus be regarded as no more than the escalation of an ongoing civil war. The Nort...- #4
Save:'The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles and the Rise of America's Secret Government' by David Talbot is a compelling exploration of the deep-seated power structures within the American government. Talbot delves into the intricate web of connections between establishment figures, the military industrial complex, and the intelligence community, showcasing how individuals like Allen Dulles wielded immense influence over significant historical events. Through a journalistic narrative style, the book uncovers the dark realities of CIA involvement in covert operations, assassinations, and the manipulation of governments, shedding light on the sinister machinations of those in power.
Allen Dulles went to war on November 9, 1942, crossing into neutral Switzerland from Vichy France, just minutes before the Nazis closed the border. He later told the story of his border crossing with ... - #5
Save:'First to Kill' in the Nathan McBride series by Andrew Peterson follows ex-CIA covert ops Nathan McBride, who teams up with his partner Harvey to run a successful security company. When they are asked to investigate the disappearance of the retired chief of the FBI's son, who was undercover with a dangerous group, they find themselves in a high-stakes mission involving Semtex explosives and a covert FBI attack. The plot is filled with action, personal relationships, and intricate details that immerse the reader in a world of chaos and danger. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with authentic details that make the reader feel like they are part of the thrilling adventure.
- #6
Save:'Snow Wolf' by Glenn Meade is a thrilling novel that delves into the world of Cold War Russia, entwining real characters from Russian politics with a gripping storyline. The writing style is described as engrossing, with the ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. is praised for its intricate plot, realistic depiction of historical events, and the connection it builds between the readers and the characters.
- #7
Save:'Inside the Company: CIA Diary' by Philip Agee is a detailed account of CIA operations, strategies, and methods, focusing on covert actions in Latin American countries and their leaders. The book sheds light on how the CIA influences elections, infiltrates governments, and interferes in the economic, social, political, and legal affairs of other countries. It is structured like a personal diary, providing a warning about the threats covert agency operations pose to national security, as well as illustrating the difficult and dangerous nature of intelligence work.
- #8
Save:'Surprise, Kill, Vanish' by Annie Jacobsen is a captivating and informative account of the CIA and its paramilitary operations throughout history, focusing on the controversial use of assassination as a policy option. The book delves into the intricate details of CIA operations, from the WWII OSS to current missions in Afghanistan, providing a well-researched and eye-opening narrative that sheds light on the secretive world of covert operations. Jacobsen's writing style, akin to that of a novelist, skillfully weaves together big ideas and historical perspectives through compelling storytelling, offering readers a fascinating insight into the world of intelligence and military history.
The narrative of 'Surprise, Kill, Vanish' is praised for its thorough exploration of the CIA's paramilitary division, offering a comprehensive overview of the agency's operations and the individuals involved. Readers find the historical perspective illuminating, especially in shedding light on the sometimes troubling aspects of the CIA's paramilitary activities. The book's engaging style and detailed accounts of covert operations, coupled with the author's apolitical approach and focus on factual evidence, make it a must-read for those interested in spy genre movies or novels, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities and morality behind the CIA's secretive missions.
It was the first Sunday in December 1941, and the boy selling popcorn behind the concession stand at the Strand Theatre in Bastrop, Texas, had just turned twelve. His name was William Dawson Waugh, bu... Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA by Tim Weiner is a detailed and compelling history of the Central Intelligence Agency, spanning from its inception as the reincarnation of the OSS to the modern era. The book delves into the failures, successes, and controversies surrounding the CIA, shedding light on its covert operations, political interference, and internal struggles. Through meticulous research and objective storytelling, the author presents a comprehensive overview of the agency's evolution, from its role in global power politics to its impact on world events.
“In a global and totalitarian war,” General Donovan believed, “intelligence must be global and totalitarian.” On November 18, 1944, he had written to President Roosevelt proposing that the United Stat...- #10
Save:'The Billion Dollar Spy' by David Hoffman is a nonfiction account of Adolf Tolkachev, a Soviet engineer who worked in the air defense industry and became a valuable spy for the CIA during the Cold War. Tolkachev provided the US with astonishing intelligence information by copying and photographing highly classified documents, passing them over face to face meetings. reads like a spy thriller, combining journalistic research with a compelling dramatic style, creating a narrative full of twists and engaging incidents.
He was the most successful and valued agent the United States had run inside the Soviet Union in two decades. His documents and drawings had unlocked the secrets of Soviet radar and revealed sensitive...
