The Spymasters of Israel

by Stewart Steven

The Spymasters of Israel

Genres: History, Israel, Espionage, Nonfiction

401 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gripping dive into the shadowy world of Israeli intelligence left me absolutely fascinated. The author's research is top-notch, offering insider insights that had me glued to every page. While some parts dragged a bit, overall it's a must-read for anyone into espionage history or Middle East politics.

[Ginny Jaques · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spymasters of Israel is part of a series of non-fiction books about the history and operation of spy networks in a number of different countries. I found it interesting, though somewhat plodding in places, especially when plotting the political history of the Mossad, it's leadership and operations.

The stories of actual espionage activity interspersed throughout the book were exciting, even more so because they were true. Amazing coincidences, for good and for ill, affecting the outcomes of the operations, as well as daring and creative approaches to their tasks.

The author appeared to be even-handed and objective in his presentation of the data, respectful of the people he documented but honest about their failures and human foibles. I detected no strong bias, though I did come away admiring the talent and dedication of the people involved in the business of establishing and protecting the nation.

The discussion of clandestine activity and military operations in the wars the Israelis have been involved in reinforced the idea that the nation has survived against all odds, even miraculously by some accounts. Israelis say that the first war they lose will be the last, because every war they've fought so far has been a war for survival.

I recommend this book for people who are history buffs, interested in international espionage, and/or curious about the unique way the nation of Israel has had to operate to get where they are today.

[Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book as far as showing the formation of Israeli intelligence organizations, but, for me, it was a hard read. The author's style was to tell about an event and then go back and explain the details of the event; how it came about, etc., or to tell about changes of personnel in various organizations and then go back and explain all about this person or that person. I thought it was more information than was needed and made it harder to get through. The author tells about the evolution of Mossad, the Israeli CIA so to speak, its successes, failures, and inner turmoil among agencies. Those parts were very interesting and also I imagined how things are in the U.S. It must happen very much the same.

[Violet · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had its merits, but because of the style it was written in I found it a difficult read. I also found it confusing, to many names and players to keep track of. The writting style slowed down my reading quite a bit, making me think I would never finish this book.

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book it's about the mossad.Very informational. Learned a lot of things that I did'nt know about Israel and the Mossad.

[Scott Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve ever read. A very fast paced nonfiction book that almost reads like fiction. The telling of a true story. I couldn’t put it down once I began.