The Craft of Intelligence

America's Legendary Spy Master on the Fundamentals of Intelligence Gathering for a Free World

De: Allen W. Dulles

Narrado por: L. J. Ganser

If the experts could point to any single book as a starting point for understanding the subject of intelligence from the late 20th century to today, that single book would be Allen W. Dulles's The Craft of Intelligence.

This classic of spycraft is based on Allen Dulles's incomparable experience as a diplomat, international lawyer, and America's premier intelligence officer. Dulles was a high-ranking officer of the CIA's predecessor - the Office of Strategic Services - and was present at the inception of the CIA, where he served eight of his 10 years there as director. Here he sums up what he learned about intelligence from nearly a half-century of experience in foreign affairs.

In World War II his OSS agents penetrated the German Foreign Office, worked with the anti-Nazi underground resistance, and established contacts that brought about the Nazi military surrender in North Italy. Under his direction the CIA developed both a dedicated corps of specialists and a whole range of new intelligence devices, from the U-2 high-altitude photographic plane to minute electronic listening and transmitting equipment.

©2016 Joan Buresch Talley (P)2017 Tantor

What wonderful insight into geopolitical/intelligence in the early 1960s.

Eye opening to see how different is the geopolitical landscape was in 1962 compared to 2023. And how similar the core elements of intelligence are today, despite different delivery methods.

Very informative about past operations

This reading Will help you understand how the Cia functions within a free society and obstacles it must face.

dated

pretty good just a bit dated. its old/ its been a hot minute ya know

Pretty educational, but a bit pandering

Really like it over all. Very educational.
But felt like it was a little pandering at parts, maybe a little to much pro-intelligence. Nothing wrong with that per say, but it could have been more subjective letting the listener/reader make their own choice alone based on the narrative.

Good content and Great narration

It was a very interesting read. Reveals allot of important work that our CIA does to keep us safe and really helps boost confidence and respect for what they do.

Good info, dry execution

I struggled to get through it without day dreaming but I am glad I did. It isn't exactly an unbiased perspective but does provide some insight.

A Bit Dry

It reads like a history textbook. Its not poorly written, just not what I was looking for. I've read about Allen Dulles and thought this might be about his time in the OSS and forming of the CIA, and maybe the book with get there eventually. But, I could only make it through about 4 chapters. Far too many names I didn't know, and too far back in history. As best I can tell, this was written in 1963 (Allen Dulles died in 1969). Before choosing this one, be aware of what it is.

A solid primer on early intelligence operations

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Its a very good base of knowledge for the understanding of early 20th century intelligence gathering techniques

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nonfiction

What does L. J. Ganser bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Yes, he sounds wise, which adds gravitas

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Allen Dulles knows a lot about intelligence operations but you'll probably not enjoy his take on homosexuals

Any additional comments?

A product of its time

It's a great historical account of Intelligence.

It's a great historical account of Intelligence.
Although the Author does a great job with broad topics, in my opinion the view point is kind of narrow.
Doesn't have much international perspective.

Absorbing

This book was more interesting than I thought it would be. Allen said he grew up discussing foreign affairs at the dinner table thus his life long interest. It is amazing that his family produced three Secretary of State: John W. Foster (1836-1917) who served as Secretary of State to President Benjamin Harrison; Robert Lansing (1864-1928) was from Allen’s mother’s side of the family and served President Woodrow Wilson; and his brother, John Foster Dulles, (1888-1959) served President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Allen W. Dulles (1893-1969) and his brother both graduated from Princeton University. They both were attorneys and both served on the Paris Peace Conference under President Wilson in 1919. Allen alternated practicing law and serving on various commissions/delegations for the State Department. In World War II he served in the OSS and after the war became head of the CIA.

In this book Allen provides an overview history of espionage from ancient time to the Cold War. The author spends a good portion of the book telling about Soviet spies that were caught and how the Soviets changed tactics from the 1920s to the Cold War. The book is well written but is written as a history book not a novel. The book provides some insight into Allen Dulles. He made a moment that struck a flash back for me. Dulles was discussing how Soviet citizens learned to blend into society, do nothing to be noticed and follow the rules exactly. It struck me that was what Ayn Rand was writing against in her books. Years ago, I had a problem looking at the American society v Rand’s philosophy. As she had immigrated from the USSR, I now understand. It is funny how something not related to the book suddenly is made clear. The last section of the book reviews spy techniques and how the CIA is run and what departments of government oversee it.

This book was originally published in 1963. L. J. Ganser does a good job narrating the book. Ganser is an actor and has won three Audiofile Earphones Award as well as the 2005 Audie for non-fiction audiobook narration.