Allen W. Dulles (1893–1969)

A very interesting read by the former director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and long-time intelligence operative. There's a solid (if brief) chapter on the history of espionage, and most of the rest of the book walks a reader through some of the basics of how an intelligence agency works, in some cases using the author's own experiences. Obviously, you have to account for the fact that Dulles is pulling some of his punches, and is projecting his own agenda and point of view (unsurprisingly). Thus, the book has an unmistakable slant, and probably should not be swallowed whole. But as a basic overview of intelligence techniques, it still holds up. Recommended.… (mer)