The First Directorate: My 32 Years in Intelligence and Espionage Against the West

by Oleg Kalugin, Fen Montaigne

An experienced KGB agent who broke with the Communist Party to advocate democratic reform, chronicles his career in espionage, offering a candid look into the inner workings of the Soviet spy machine

Genres: History, Espionage, Biography

374 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1994

About the author

Oleg Danilovich Kalugin (Russian: Олег Данилович Калугин), is a former KGB general. He was a longtime head of KGB operations in the United States and later a critic of the agency.

Reviews

[Richard Macquarrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first heard about this book from my mother in law who was recently at a dinner with Oleg Kalugin. Apparently Oleg was flirting with her the whole time. Anyway, the book is very informative and gives you an idea of what the Soviet Union was like during the cold war and what they did or tried to do to undermine the United States. It shows a mans path from being a loyal Soviet Man, to becoming more and more frustrated with a system that was not working. It also gives us an idea of what the West and Russian spy networks were doing to outmaneuver one another. This book is a must read for any American government employee who holds a secret clearance (so you can know what to avoid) and for any Cold War historians.

[C. M. Kosemen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent memoir with poignant and darkly funny scenes about the Soviet Union's rot from within. Oleg Kalugin was probably the inspiration for the character of Oleg Burov in the TV series - "the Americans".

[DBecks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an excellent read of cold war intelligence cat and mouse antics.

Oleg Kalugin, rose up the ranks of the KGB. His book details his ideological ascent and then started seeing the cracks and malaise that took hold in the Soviet Union after the passing of World War II.

The historical treatment and story telling of the Soviet Union was definitely interesting. What held my interest was the discussion of the huge intelligence enterprise that the Soviet Union embarked on.

Always one fatal step away from being declared persona-non grata at the behest of the FBI in Washington, to internal duties of the KGB in the zenith of Kalugin's career, this book delivered.

[Justin Istenes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to gain the perspective from a Soviet spy who lived in both the US and USSR during the Cold War. Provided great detail about the hearts and minds from the soviet perspective. Could be a little too descriptive at times about his experiences that were not as intriguing to the reader.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't say I trust this guy, and these reminiscences seem very self-serving. But it is a good read for someone interested in the later phases of the Cold War from the Soviet perspective. His reflections on Kim Philby's life in the USSR are particularly poignant.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic insight from a veteran of the Cold War. The anecdotes about his time in the United States under diplomatic and journalist cover were fascinating. Recommended to anyone interested in cold war history, espionage, and intelligence agencies.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Kalugin's narrative voice a bit annoying at times, but the book certainly does what it says on the tin.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating true life info about the espionage shenanigans during the Cold War.