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The Secret Agent: In Search of America's Greatest World War II Spy
Eric Erickson was the most important American spy of World War II. He also had a secret to keep.
In 1942, the Brooklyn-born Erickson was a millionaire oil mogul who volunteered for a dangerous mission inside the Third Reich: locating the top-secret synthetic oil plants that kept the German war machine running. To fool the Nazis, Erickson played the role of a collaborator. He hung a portrait of Hitler in his apartment and “disowned” his Jewish best friend, then flew to Berlin, where he charmed Himmler and signed lucrative oil deals with the architects of the Final Solution. All the while, he was visiting the oil refineries and passing their coordinates to Allied Bomber Command, who destroyed the plants in a series of B-17 raids, helping to end the war early.
After the war, Erickson's was revealed as a secret agent and received the Medal of Freedom for his bravery. William Holden even played him in a hit Hollywood movie. For a brief moment in the early '60s, Erickson was the most famous spy in the world. His secret? He hadn't played a Nazi collaborator. He'd actually been one - a war profiteer who'd made millions of trading with Hitler before having a change of heart. Black-listed by the Allies and disowned by his family, Erickson had volunteered for the spy mission in order to redeem himself, and ended up saving thousands of Allied lives.
Based on newly-discovered archives in Sweden, The Secret Agent is a riveting piece of narrative nonfiction that tells the true story of Erickson's remarkable life for the first time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Stephan Talty is the author of five acclaimed non-fiction books, including Agent Garbo: The Brilliant, Eccentric Spy Who Tricked Hitler and Saved D-Day. He's written for the New York Times Magazine, GQ, Men's Journal and many other publications.
In 1942, the Brooklyn-born Erickson was a millionaire oil mogul who volunteered for a dangerous mission inside the Third Reich: locating the top-secret synthetic oil plants that kept the German war machine running. To fool the Nazis, Erickson played the role of a collaborator. He hung a portrait of Hitler in his apartment and “disowned” his Jewish best friend, then flew to Berlin, where he charmed Himmler and signed lucrative oil deals with the architects of the Final Solution. All the while, he was visiting the oil refineries and passing their coordinates to Allied Bomber Command, who destroyed the plants in a series of B-17 raids, helping to end the war early.
After the war, Erickson's was revealed as a secret agent and received the Medal of Freedom for his bravery. William Holden even played him in a hit Hollywood movie. For a brief moment in the early '60s, Erickson was the most famous spy in the world. His secret? He hadn't played a Nazi collaborator. He'd actually been one - a war profiteer who'd made millions of trading with Hitler before having a change of heart. Black-listed by the Allies and disowned by his family, Erickson had volunteered for the spy mission in order to redeem himself, and ended up saving thousands of Allied lives.
Based on newly-discovered archives in Sweden, The Secret Agent is a riveting piece of narrative nonfiction that tells the true story of Erickson's remarkable life for the first time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Stephan Talty is the author of five acclaimed non-fiction books, including Agent Garbo: The Brilliant, Eccentric Spy Who Tricked Hitler and Saved D-Day. He's written for the New York Times Magazine, GQ, Men's Journal and many other publications.
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2013
About the author
Stephan Talty
39 books326 followersStephan Talty is the New York Times bestselling author of six acclaimed books of narrative nonfiction, as well as the Abbie Kearney crime novels. Originally from Buffalo, he now lives outside New York City.
Talty began as a widely-published journalist who has contributed to the New York Times Magazine, GQ, Men’s Journal, Time Out New York, Details, and many other publications. He is the author of the forthcoming thriller Hangman (the sequel to Black Irish), as well as Agent Garbo: The Brilliant, Eccentric Double Agent who Tricked Hitler and Saved D-Day (2012) and Empire of Blue Water: Captain Morgan's Great Pirate Army, the Epic Battle for the Americas, and the Catastrophe that Ended the Outlaws Bloody Reign (2008).
His short e-book, The Secret Agent: In Search of America's Greatest World War II Spy was the best-selling Amazon Single of 2013.
Talty began as a widely-published journalist who has contributed to the New York Times Magazine, GQ, Men’s Journal, Time Out New York, Details, and many other publications. He is the author of the forthcoming thriller Hangman (the sequel to Black Irish), as well as Agent Garbo: The Brilliant, Eccentric Double Agent who Tricked Hitler and Saved D-Day (2012) and Empire of Blue Water: Captain Morgan's Great Pirate Army, the Epic Battle for the Americas, and the Catastrophe that Ended the Outlaws Bloody Reign (2008).
His short e-book, The Secret Agent: In Search of America's Greatest World War II Spy was the best-selling Amazon Single of 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 13, 2019
In this kindle single, Talty chronicles the career of Erik Ericsson, who helped defeat the Nazis by pretending to be one. Talty tells the story well, and it is a good quick read.
After reading both this and Talty's Agent Garbo: The Brilliant, Eccentric Secret Agent Who Tricked Hitler and Saved D-Day, I must say Talty's biographies are a refreshing change. Too often in biographies of famous men, the biography ties him or herself into knots to excuse bad behavior OR depicts the spouse as somehow lacking. IF x was truly worthy of y, she would have understand type of thing. I'm thinking in particular of the pretzel that Ackroyd makes trying to argue that Dickens did not have sex with the young women he abandoned his wife for (Dickens' treatment of his wife is absolutely horrible) and of Ron Chernow's implying that if a pregnant Elizabeth Hamilton had just stayed in hot, disease filled NYC than good Alex would have never been unfaithful. Talty doesn't whitewash or even try to whitewash the damage that Ericsson's acts had on his wife. And his wife is not depicted as shallow or evil because she had trouble handling what her husband was doing. I cannot stress how wonderful that is to see in a biography.
After reading both this and Talty's Agent Garbo: The Brilliant, Eccentric Secret Agent Who Tricked Hitler and Saved D-Day, I must say Talty's biographies are a refreshing change. Too often in biographies of famous men, the biography ties him or herself into knots to excuse bad behavior OR depicts the spouse as somehow lacking. IF x was truly worthy of y, she would have understand type of thing. I'm thinking in particular of the pretzel that Ackroyd makes trying to argue that Dickens did not have sex with the young women he abandoned his wife for (Dickens' treatment of his wife is absolutely horrible) and of Ron Chernow's implying that if a pregnant Elizabeth Hamilton had just stayed in hot, disease filled NYC than good Alex would have never been unfaithful. Talty doesn't whitewash or even try to whitewash the damage that Ericsson's acts had on his wife. And his wife is not depicted as shallow or evil because she had trouble handling what her husband was doing. I cannot stress how wonderful that is to see in a biography.
October 17, 2013
I really enjoyed this book about famed World War II spy Erik Erickson. Conflicted about having made oil money off the rising Third Reich, Erickson hatches a plan to redeem himself and save the world in the process.
Talty takes you on a page turning journey as Erickson cozies up to the Nazis leaders, tours concentration camps, witnesses incredible brutality, and ultimately carries out one of the greatest cons in history. Erickson manages to convince Himmler, Goehring, and more to let him visit every oil refinery in the country. Little did the Nazi leadership know that Erickson was secretly feeding these coordinates right back to the Allies. Every refinery was persistently bombed during the precise times that return raids came, and bombed again when more return raids came after the refineries repair. The Germans couldn't understand why their secret hidden refineries where being bombed so precisely.
Talty correctly argues that because of Erickson's work the Germans didn't have enough fuel to move their planes on D-Day, power their submarines, complete Hitler's counterstrike at the Bulge, and ultimately carry out hundreds of other missions which saved millions of lives.
I wish that Talty would have spent a bit more time on Erickson the liar and the egoist. Did he remain a greedy man after the war? He fibbed about certain parts of his story but does that undermine the immeasurable good he did for the cause?
All in all I really enjoyed this book.
Talty takes you on a page turning journey as Erickson cozies up to the Nazis leaders, tours concentration camps, witnesses incredible brutality, and ultimately carries out one of the greatest cons in history. Erickson manages to convince Himmler, Goehring, and more to let him visit every oil refinery in the country. Little did the Nazi leadership know that Erickson was secretly feeding these coordinates right back to the Allies. Every refinery was persistently bombed during the precise times that return raids came, and bombed again when more return raids came after the refineries repair. The Germans couldn't understand why their secret hidden refineries where being bombed so precisely.
Talty correctly argues that because of Erickson's work the Germans didn't have enough fuel to move their planes on D-Day, power their submarines, complete Hitler's counterstrike at the Bulge, and ultimately carry out hundreds of other missions which saved millions of lives.
I wish that Talty would have spent a bit more time on Erickson the liar and the egoist. Did he remain a greedy man after the war? He fibbed about certain parts of his story but does that undermine the immeasurable good he did for the cause?
All in all I really enjoyed this book.
October 20, 2013
Amazon.com Review: Stephan Talty's true tale of Allied espionage stars an American oil playboy, Swedish royalty, a passionate love story, and "synfuel," a synthetic substitute for oil that propelled Hitler's dream of energy independence and marked one of the key strategic opportunities for the Axis powers throughout the war. The story opens in the bomb shelter of a Mercedes-Benz factory in the spring of 1944, where Eric Erickson huddles for safety as hundreds of B-17s drop tons of explosives on a target that Erickson himself had identified for them. Talty then rewinds to tell the story of this unlikely war hero's strange path to espionage, long frustration with his mission, and ultimate success as a turning point in the defeat of the Third Reich. Though Erickson's tale has appeared before--notably in both a book and film entitled The Counterfeit Traitor--Talty's telling gets the story just right, depicting the modest, dapper Erickson and his long-classified exploits with tense pacing, surprisingly intimate details, and a reverence for this private citizen's suspenseful, tide-turning contribution to the American war effort. --Jason Kirk
January 25, 2014
This is an interesting short non-fiction book on an American oilman living in Sweden, who spent years building a cover as a Nazi sympathizer in order to become a spy and eventually, gain the Nazis' trust and uncover the location of their synthetic oil plants (to turn abundant domestic coal into aviation/automobile fuel). These plants became increasingly important as Germany's domestic (and conquered) fuel sources dried up or were targeted by the Allies; by early 1944, these plants supplied 57% of the Wehrmacht's oil and 92% of its aviation fuel. This fuel shortage was then one factor behind Germany's decision not to significantly arm Normandy, and later, in its inability to mobilize sufficient troops to the Battle of the Bulge.
The writing is just okay, ("Sweden is poised like a dagger above the northern border of Germany"), and it has some editing/typographical issues, but the story is compelling enough that I liked this book overall, although the second half dragged on somewhat.
The writing is just okay, ("Sweden is poised like a dagger above the northern border of Germany"), and it has some editing/typographical issues, but the story is compelling enough that I liked this book overall, although the second half dragged on somewhat.
September 6, 2017
A short biography of Erik Erickson, the Swedish oil salesman and later Second World War spy, not the noted psychologist (whose name is spelled a little differently). The book concentrates on Erickson's contribution to the US war effort, spying on - and thereby directing bombs towards - Germany's synthetic oil plants. I wasn't previously aware of Erickson's remarkable story and valiant war effort. I found this book a bit unsatisfying, though: it's brevity meant that it was hard to fully understand Erickson's motivations, and - while it was touched on briefly - it would have been interesting to get more insight into the later psychological impact of having profited from the Nazi regime early on.
October 29, 2013
Although it makes perfect sense, I had never really thought of how Germany during WWII had to struggle to get fuel for all their tanks and planes. The oil-producing world pretty much cut them off, and Germany had to depend upon their brilliant chemists to engineer synthetic oil from coal. This small ebook tells the story of the American oil man who infiltrated the Nazi regime, alienating himself from all his family, associates and friends in the process, to find out where the Nazi synthetic oil plants were located and then pass that information onto the Allied command, who then bombed the sites. It was interesting from a historical stand point, but I found the writing merely functional.
January 24, 2015
The interesting true story about one of the most important people in WWII that you've never heard of. It's amazing the depth of the German High Command Erik Ericsson was able to penetrate at significant personal risk to assist the Allied cause. The Nazi Empire fell for a bunch of reasons, but without Erik's involvement, the tolls on both sides of the war would have been far graver. A quick read that doesn't get boring, even for non military-types.
January 31, 2017
Unknown Hero
This very short read carries itself off like fiction but is indeed a factual account of a very brave and unassuming spy. His efforts impacted the duration of WW II and his story is largely unknown. Well written and without frills, this story is as interesting as it is educative.
This very short read carries itself off like fiction but is indeed a factual account of a very brave and unassuming spy. His efforts impacted the duration of WW II and his story is largely unknown. Well written and without frills, this story is as interesting as it is educative.
November 5, 2013
This book was a great read that had me taut with anticipation. I couldn't get to the bottom of each page fast enough. One wonders how many stories like this there are of World War II: Normal people who risked everything to stop a monstrous would-be empire.
May 16, 2014
Interesting read
Interesting read
something I didn't know...although it seemed to need to picketers being a good story or being a documentary. overall the book was easy to read and interesting.
Interesting read
something I didn't know...although it seemed to need to picketers being a good story or being a documentary. overall the book was easy to read and interesting.
September 10, 2014
This is a true story and in hindsight cutting oil supply to Hitler was major factor in outcome of war.
interesting that the pursuit for synthetic oil that was important then was immediately squelched by big oil after the war.
interesting that the pursuit for synthetic oil that was important then was immediately squelched by big oil after the war.
November 30, 2014
This was pretty interesting, and insightful on World War ll. It's about some spy who found out the locations of German oil refineries. It shows how Germans were thinking back then. Also made me wonder how many other people were helping greatly during the war that we have no clue of.
October 13, 2013
Interesting tale about a WWII spy who is little known today. The reading ends up wanting for more information about the spy and his lover.
November 29, 2013
Nice short read about a fascinating character from WWII. Why can't more books be like this? Long enough to do justice to a story, but not feeling the need to pad with useless stuffing.
December 6, 2013
Spy story
engaging book by the author of Garbo the spy.interesting story of an American spy who helped defeat Germanic in world war 2.
engaging book by the author of Garbo the spy.interesting story of an American spy who helped defeat Germanic in world war 2.
May 1, 2014
Interesting story, but not very well written. There were a few glaring factual errors too (Stuttgart is not in northern Germany for instance).
October 13, 2014
interesting biography of American spy in wwii. well-written and easy to read. enjoyable. recommended for people in reading contests or wwii buffs or spy book buffs.
October 31, 2017
Interesting story on WWII Allied Spy "Red" Erickson's exploits and the German's focus on producing synthetic oil. Fast read for anyone interested in WWII or spies.
September 18, 2019
Why Did Germany Lose WWII?
To every complex question there is never just one simple answer. However, before reading this book, I, like many others I would guess, had not thought of a lack of oil as a major key to Germany’s loss. This book lays out the support for this statement along with the story of a spy who was most vital in winning WWII. The story of the spy is so daring that it would be hard to invent in fiction. This story is a must read for anyone who wants to understand how close the world came to an even greater disaster than the WWII we had. The main fault I find with the book is its long and boring title.
To every complex question there is never just one simple answer. However, before reading this book, I, like many others I would guess, had not thought of a lack of oil as a major key to Germany’s loss. This book lays out the support for this statement along with the story of a spy who was most vital in winning WWII. The story of the spy is so daring that it would be hard to invent in fiction. This story is a must read for anyone who wants to understand how close the world came to an even greater disaster than the WWII we had. The main fault I find with the book is its long and boring title.
September 27, 2019
A good read
I am fascinated by WWII spies, not only their exploits but also their motivation. The author did as good a job as possible getting into the psyche of Eric Erickson. Amazing that family loyalty, ego, the search for adventure, and yes, greed, could drive a man to take the risks he did. And, we are grateful he did! Rest in peace Mr. Erickson.
I am fascinated by WWII spies, not only their exploits but also their motivation. The author did as good a job as possible getting into the psyche of Eric Erickson. Amazing that family loyalty, ego, the search for adventure, and yes, greed, could drive a man to take the risks he did. And, we are grateful he did! Rest in peace Mr. Erickson.
August 9, 2017
Amazing story of the real James Bond
Detailed account of the man who brought Germany to its knees. He passed exact information on the location of synthetic fuel factories. Bombing these cut off Hitler's ability to fight.
Detailed account of the man who brought Germany to its knees. He passed exact information on the location of synthetic fuel factories. Bombing these cut off Hitler's ability to fight.
November 28, 2022
Great read about the most important unknown spy of the 20th century
This book is well researched and easy to read. I've know about Eric Erickson for a while and I think he should be a house hold name. IMHO he ended WWII and gave up everything to do it
This book is well researched and easy to read. I've know about Eric Erickson for a while and I think he should be a house hold name. IMHO he ended WWII and gave up everything to do it
November 27, 2016
Courage, deception and Incomptence
This is an eyeopening book not only about a guileful spy but also clueless allied war planners. The Truth often opens wounds!
This is an eyeopening book not only about a guileful spy but also clueless allied war planners. The Truth often opens wounds!
July 30, 2017
Sensational
One of the best biographies I have ever read, and about a giant of whom I had never known. So, I wonder how many other titans of valor there are. All thumbs up.
One of the best biographies I have ever read, and about a giant of whom I had never known. So, I wonder how many other titans of valor there are. All thumbs up.
August 1, 2017
Good adventure read
Interesting combination of history and drama. Well worth the time to read. Did not know of Germany 's efforts to produce synthetic oil.
Interesting combination of history and drama. Well worth the time to read. Did not know of Germany 's efforts to produce synthetic oil.
December 31, 2018
Good
Enjoyed the truthfulness of this book. It was an easy read about a good man a courageous man. Enjoyed it!!!
Enjoyed the truthfulness of this book. It was an easy read about a good man a courageous man. Enjoyed it!!!
January 1, 2019
Riverting
This story gave me a true understanding of why and how we won the war against the Nazi's.
Great read.
This story gave me a true understanding of why and how we won the war against the Nazi's.
Great read.
January 4, 2023
This book was okay. One thing I did like was how they explained what and how they were feeling and what they felt they should do next. I think it made me feel like I was experiencing it too.
February 6, 2024
Fascinating, but too brief to love it.
September 15, 2025
Good book
Really good short read - good history of the unknown hero’s of World War II - goo lessons for today world
Really good short read - good history of the unknown hero’s of World War II - goo lessons for today world
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews