Spycraft

The Secret History of the CIA's Spytechs from Communism to Al-Qaeda

By: Robert Wallace, Henry Robert Schelsinger

Narrated by: David Drummond

• Secret instructions written in invisible ink
• Covert communications slipped inside dead rats
• Subminiature cameras hidden in ballpoint pens

If these sound like the stuff of science fiction or imaginary tools of James Bond's gadget-master Q's trade, think again. They are real-life devices created by the CIA's Office of Technical Service. Now, in the first book ever written about this ultrasecretive department, the former director of OTS teams up with an internationally renowned intelligence historian to give listeners an unprecedented look at the devices and operations deemed "inappropriate for public disclosure" by the CIA just two years ago.

Spycraft tells amazing life-and-death stories about this little-known group, much of it never before revealed. Against the backdrop of some of America's most critical periods in recent history - including the cold war, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the war on terror - the authors show the real technical and human story of how the CIA carries out its missions.

©2008 Robert Wallace, H. Keith Melton, and Henry R. Schlesinger (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Forget James Bond's famous 'Q' and Hollywood, this is the most remarkable and revealing book ever published about the history and technology of spying." (Peter Earnest, executive director, International Spy Museum)

The real "Q Branch" from James Bond!!!

This book is a must for anyone interested in Cold War Spy History. It is really the story of the men who designed the listening devices, cameras and cool gadgets that helped us gather the intelligence we wanted from our adversaries. It is also the story of the men crazy enough to go in to some of these places to install them. A bit dry at times, but the authors make everything come alive so that you can understand what they are talking about even when the topic is very technical. Mr. Wallace, Melton and Schelsinger have truly helped us peek inside one of the most amazing parts of our history.

Almost addictive

I concentrate on business improvement topics but needed a break. This was a great break. I recommend it.

Slow to start, finishes well

It took a while for me to get into this one, but after a couple hours in I found myself unable to shut it off.

Great book. Highly recommended.

Spycraft provides great insight into technics and methods of espionage/ counter espionage, famous spies and both failed and successful operations during the cold war until present days.

The historical events in this book are more exiting than fictional Hollywood movies and keep the readers on the edge of their seats.

Very informative and inspiring. A must have book for all spy craft enthusiasts.

Great book for techies

Fabulous, great stories a technophile dream book very current in a ever changing dangerous world spying against us from all sides.