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Handbook of Inelligence and Guerrilla Warfare by Alexander Orlov
Hardcover book (1963). In Like-new condition but book is "old". Pages are crisp, with no writing, highlights, tears or folds. On outside top, book page edges are blacked(intentional to match inside of front cover) while bottom and side are same color as interior pages. Binding and cover are in excellent condition. This book was part of my uncles library before he passed away.
- GenresNonfiction
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1965
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About the author
Alexander Orlov
6 books1 followerAlexander Mikhailovich Orlov (Russian: Александр Михайлович Орлов; real name Leiba Lazarevich Feldbin) was a high-ranked officer in the intelligence branch of the KGB (Soviet secret police). In 1938, he fled with his family to the United States in fear of execution. Mostly known for secretly transporting the entire gold reserve of the Spanish Republic to the USSR and for his book, The Secret History of Stalin's Crimes.
Note: There are multiple authors named Alexander Orlov.
Note: There are multiple authors named Alexander Orlov.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 10, 2015
Long been wanting to lay my hands on the spine of this book, so famous --for so many years--within the intelligence community. You'll find it referred to by Allen W. Dulles in his seminal work, 'The Craft of Intelligence: The Fundamentals of Intelligence Gathering for a Free World'.
But hardly anywhere else, unless you are keen on this kind of thing. It's essentially a for-Western-eyes version of the procedures manual distributed within the KGB to its foreign agents. That's why Dulles mentions it in his compendium.
Anyway, its long out-of-print and difficult to find for anything less than $100. But I've finally lain it--in triumph--on my shelf. Think of it: the summary by an actual former NKVD chief of instructions issued operatives. In his own words.
It is a slim volume, but rife with information. How does it read? Well, this Orlov's a dry dog, at first. Not much personality. He delivers a crisp, somewhat cold, matter-of-fact dissection of his topic; emanating that characteristic Russian sterility of approach.
Technical topics covered: entry into foreign countries, documentation and identities, obtaining cover employment, maintaining communication lines, recruiting sources of information, etc.
No frills, no wasted words, working-from-the-top-down-to-the-grain. Orlov states his case with authority and uses plenty of historical examples to back him up (Pearl Harbor, Port Arthur) but there's also an attitude which seems to say, 'there is no other way to proceed but in the following manner'.
In the middle of the volume however--when this cold flint discusses 'romantic subterfuge' or 'blackmail' or even 'idealism' all at various times used to recruit agents--it is marvelous. The man becomes a raconteur (you can hear his love of luxury exude). One spicy story after another from the 1930s, with which he was 'personally acquainted' (indeed--of this, I am sure, Camrade Orlov!) When he casually refers to the 'spectacular successes' by the NKVD in those years, he isn't kidding.
A fascinating book, and I will go so far as to designate it a 'must read' for any espionage fan. Similar in stature (at least) to Maugham's 'Ashenden'.
But hardly anywhere else, unless you are keen on this kind of thing. It's essentially a for-Western-eyes version of the procedures manual distributed within the KGB to its foreign agents. That's why Dulles mentions it in his compendium.
Anyway, its long out-of-print and difficult to find for anything less than $100. But I've finally lain it--in triumph--on my shelf. Think of it: the summary by an actual former NKVD chief of instructions issued operatives. In his own words.
It is a slim volume, but rife with information. How does it read? Well, this Orlov's a dry dog, at first. Not much personality. He delivers a crisp, somewhat cold, matter-of-fact dissection of his topic; emanating that characteristic Russian sterility of approach.
Technical topics covered: entry into foreign countries, documentation and identities, obtaining cover employment, maintaining communication lines, recruiting sources of information, etc.
No frills, no wasted words, working-from-the-top-down-to-the-grain. Orlov states his case with authority and uses plenty of historical examples to back him up (Pearl Harbor, Port Arthur) but there's also an attitude which seems to say, 'there is no other way to proceed but in the following manner'.
In the middle of the volume however--when this cold flint discusses 'romantic subterfuge' or 'blackmail' or even 'idealism' all at various times used to recruit agents--it is marvelous. The man becomes a raconteur (you can hear his love of luxury exude). One spicy story after another from the 1930s, with which he was 'personally acquainted' (indeed--of this, I am sure, Camrade Orlov!) When he casually refers to the 'spectacular successes' by the NKVD in those years, he isn't kidding.
A fascinating book, and I will go so far as to designate it a 'must read' for any espionage fan. Similar in stature (at least) to Maugham's 'Ashenden'.
October 14, 2021
This is a strange little book. Written by a former Soviet spook. Lots of trade-craft, many anecdotes. Stories about how spies actually work, and what often goes wrong. And it's a quick read. I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews