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Books matching: covert operations history

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  1. #1

    The Taking of K-129: How the CIA Used Howard Hughes to Steal a Russian Sub in the Most Daring Covert Operation in History by Josh Dean
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    '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. '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...

  3. #3

    Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA by Tim Weiner
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    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...

  4. 'The History Thieves: Secrets, Lies and the Shaping of a Modern Nation' by Ian Cobain delves into the deep-rooted culture of secrecy within the British establishment, highlighting how the government and intelligence agencies have systematically hidden and distorted historical events to shape a positive narrative of the nation's past. Cobain's investigative journalism uncovers dark secrets from the colonial era, the civil war in Northern Ireland, and the modern-day surveillance activities of intelligence agencies, shedding light on the ongoing threat to democratic processes posed by secrecy at the highest levels of government.

    Through meticulously researched chapters, Cobain exposes the British state's history of concealing sensitive operations both domestically and internationally, from covert wars in Oman and Vietnam to collusion with Loyalist death squads in Northern Ireland. challenges the reader to question the selective disclosure of information by those in power, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance for the protection of citizens' rights and liberties.

    At the start of the nineteenth century, the British people felt quietly confident that they enjoyed the most open system of government of any of the great European powers. Although the state was growi...

  5. 'Operation Paperclip: The Secret Intelligence Program that Brought Nazi Scientists to America' by Annie Jacobsen delves into the secretive US operation post-World War II where Nazi scientists were brought to America to work for the government. The author uncovers groundbreaking information about the V-2 rockets, technology, and underground facilities developed by these scientists. Jacobsen's writing style presents a detailed and chronological account of how these scientists, some of whom were war criminals, were integrated into American society, raising questions about the ethical implications of their contributions to American scientific advancements.

    It was November 26, 1944, and Strasbourg, France, was still under attack. The cobblestone streets of this medieval city were in chaos. Three days before, the Second French Armored Division had chased ...

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