Scan barcode
hrgisahero's review
4.5
Highly recommend. If you’re looking to understand some of the powers that underpinned and shaped the modern USA, reading this, Palo Alto, Kill Anything That Moves, and the Jakarta Method will give you a great start. I found the book enlightening if disheartening to see how much power a few men wielded in such a disturbing way, and how much of it was tied up with massive wealth.
jack_the_sipper's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.75
Even though it is slightly speculative at times, this book is a tour-de-force of historical writing. David Talbot has managed to provide unparalleled insight into the man who can be described as the "Father of American Intelligence" and his long, dark reign at the CIA and its national security apparatus predecessors. By doing this, Talbot has also compiled a rich early history of how America's spycraft operations came into being during WW2, and the vast machine of multiple agencies they spawned in subsequent years.
That being said, the biggest plus about the book for me was the meticulous care with which sources have been compiled and listed by Talbot. That in itself is another treasure trove worth delving deep into for those who are so inclined.
That being said, the biggest plus about the book for me was the meticulous care with which sources have been compiled and listed by Talbot. That in itself is another treasure trove worth delving deep into for those who are so inclined.
jorgethefrog's review against another edition
My time was occupied with other things and I couldn't find time to read for the next ~2 years.
waxwingslane's review against another edition
3.0
The connection of Alan Dulles to Jack Kennedy’s assassination is thinner than mere attribution to the CIA, but the outline of the less speculative events in the man’s life is adequate.
camaradecanuck's review against another edition
5.0
I found out about this book because of all the current affairs involving UFOS and cover ups and this turned in to a real page turner.
Did JFK get killed by Oswald? This book makes a pretty strong case to the contrary.
This book has a lot of similarities to spy thrillers but with the twist that the main cast of characters are all villains and their exploits had ramifications felt up to today.
Did JFK get killed by Oswald? This book makes a pretty strong case to the contrary.
This book has a lot of similarities to spy thrillers but with the twist that the main cast of characters are all villains and their exploits had ramifications felt up to today.