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Molehunt: The Secret Search for Traitors That Shattered the CIA
Details the obsessive internal spy hunt reminiscent of the McCarthy era lead by CIA counterintelligence chief James Jesus Angleton after he was lead astray by former KGB officer Anatoly Golitsin. 25,000 first printing. $25,000 ad/promo. Tour.
325 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1992
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About the author
David Wise
148 books56 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
From Wikipedia:
«David Wise (May 10, 1930 – October 8, 2018) was an American journalist and author who worked for the New York Herald-Tribune in the 1950s and 1960s, and published a series of non-fiction books on espionage and US politics as well as several spy novels. His book The Politics of Lying: Government Deception, Secrecy, and Power (1973) won the George Polk Award (Book category, 1973), and the George Orwell Award (1975).»
Most of his books were non-fiction examinations of espionage and U.S. politics. According to his obituary in the New York Times, “He also wrote three spy novels, which were praised for their insight and authority.” Those novels include:
• Spectrum, 1981
• The Children's Game , 1983
• Samarkand Dimension , 1987
From Wikipedia:
«David Wise (May 10, 1930 – October 8, 2018) was an American journalist and author who worked for the New York Herald-Tribune in the 1950s and 1960s, and published a series of non-fiction books on espionage and US politics as well as several spy novels. His book The Politics of Lying: Government Deception, Secrecy, and Power (1973) won the George Polk Award (Book category, 1973), and the George Orwell Award (1975).»
Most of his books were non-fiction examinations of espionage and U.S. politics. According to his obituary in the New York Times, “He also wrote three spy novels, which were praised for their insight and authority.” Those novels include:
• Spectrum, 1981
• The Children's Game , 1983
• Samarkand Dimension , 1987
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 22, 2021
"Mole-hunt: The Secret Search for Traitor That Shattered the CIA", authored by: David Wise.
This book brought me a stunning secondary perspective. Upon reading "The Ghost: James Jesus Angleton" as well as "A Spy Among Friends", I was under the impression that James Jesus Angleton was most adamant about penetrating the CIA for Soviet moles, upon after having the revelation bestowed to him, that his closest friend (Kim Philby) was a high-ranking Soviet defector.
David Wise presents evidence that expresses otherwise. He states that upon Anatoly Golitsin (KGB defector) debriefing being monitored by James Jesus Angleton, and Angleton hearing him tell the CIA interrogators: "The mole was someone of Slavic background whose name might have ended in sky. He had been stationed in Germany. His KGB code name was Sasha, and, the true last name began with the letter K", that Angleton began his frenzied penetration of the CIA in hopes of finding the mole.
This book brought me a stunning secondary perspective. Upon reading "The Ghost: James Jesus Angleton" as well as "A Spy Among Friends", I was under the impression that James Jesus Angleton was most adamant about penetrating the CIA for Soviet moles, upon after having the revelation bestowed to him, that his closest friend (Kim Philby) was a high-ranking Soviet defector.
David Wise presents evidence that expresses otherwise. He states that upon Anatoly Golitsin (KGB defector) debriefing being monitored by James Jesus Angleton, and Angleton hearing him tell the CIA interrogators: "The mole was someone of Slavic background whose name might have ended in sky. He had been stationed in Germany. His KGB code name was Sasha, and, the true last name began with the letter K", that Angleton began his frenzied penetration of the CIA in hopes of finding the mole.
August 7, 2016
Interesting narrative about the 20 year molehunt conducted from within the counterintelligence department of the CIA. The book is generally organized into chapters that chronicle the story of an asset/agent. Therefore, the same people reappear in several chapters. At times, this confused me a bit; it was hard to keep everyone straight - but that may be just the nature of this kind of subject material.
September 23, 2007
An excellent partial history of a dark period in the CIA. Anyone who has enjoyed reading about the Golitsyn vs. Nosenko debate in Cold War history should read this book for yet another perspective on the confusing affair. Great, also, for those wanting to read more about James Jesus Angleton's influence on the CIA.
NC
NC
June 10, 2007
An excellent history of the CIA, one which places a shocking story in its proper context.
November 24, 2012
A very interesting introspective on the molehunt, James Angleton, and the history of the CIA. It took me a long time to read, but I am glad I read it.
April 30, 2020
"Molehunt" by David Wise chronicles a time when the CIA was ruled as a fiefdom and powerful individuals had broad, almost unlimited power to shape the organization. For over 20 years (1954-1975), James Angleton--both brilliant and paranoid--dominated CIA counterintelligence, and with it, the hunt for CIA officers ("moles") who betrayed the Agency (and our country) on behalf of the Russian KGB.
This is a story about how unchecked power can go astray and how one man's misguided beliefs destroyed, through innuendo and false prosecution, the careers and lives of many loyal Agency officers.
Decades later, counterintelligence at CIA still lives under the shadow of the Angleton years--and has not yet regained the professional respect inside the Agency that it deserves.
This is a story about how unchecked power can go astray and how one man's misguided beliefs destroyed, through innuendo and false prosecution, the careers and lives of many loyal Agency officers.
Decades later, counterintelligence at CIA still lives under the shadow of the Angleton years--and has not yet regained the professional respect inside the Agency that it deserves.
June 14, 2009
Le fond est extrêmement intéressant mais la forme reste rébarbative. Le livre raconte une "chasse aux taupes" qui a considérablement déstabilisé la CIA. Il est toujours impressionnant de constater que la Guerre froide a été opérée par des paranoïaques, prêts à détruire des gens juste sur des hypothèses.
September 1, 2016
Какво би се случило, ако ти кажат, че в организацията ти има "къртица"? "Врагът" на твоя Враг Приятел ли е? Доколко съмненията биха повлияли на цялостната ти работа?
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews