Donovan

America’s Master Spy

By: Richard Dunlop, William Stephenson - foreword

Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin

The fascinating biography of the man who laid the foundation for the CIA. One of the most celebrated and highly decorated heroes of World War I, a noted trial lawyer, presidential adviser and emissary, and chief of America’s Office of Strategic Services during World War II, William J. Donovan was a legendary figure. Donovan, originally published in 1982, penetrates the cloak of secrecy surrounding this remarkable man.

During the dark days of World War II, "Wild Bill" Donovan, more than any other person, was responsible for what William Stevenson, author of A Man Called Intrepid, described as the astonishing success with which the United States entered secret warfare and accomplished in less than four years what it took England many centuries to develop. Drawing upon Donovan’s diaries, letters, and other papers; interviews with hundreds of the men and women who worked with him and spied for him; and declassified and unpublished documents, author Richard Dunlop, himself a former member of Donovan’s OSS, traces the incredible career of the man who almost single-handedly created America’s central intelligence service. The result is the definitive biography that Donovan himself had always expected Dunlop would write.

©1982, 2014 Richard Dunlop (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Fantastic biography of a little known cold-warrior

Excellent coverage of an important American hero. I think he had America's best interest at heart, and it's good to hear this story about what made the man

A must read

Tens of thousands of heroic actions and decisions by the greatest hero of the 20th century that very few know about. This was a hero who put personal duty above personal advancement unlike 99.98% of histories great figures

Good story about a little known hero

Reader was rather monotone. Very little expression and virtually no pauses at important points in the story. For example, the story includes an incident where a child drank some poison, and the reader just keeps going at the same pace, same tone as if nothing important happened. If you weren't paying attention, you could easily miss it.
The story of Donovan is quite incredible, almost as if he was perfect in every way. But it does sound like he made some great contributions to the world of intelligence and espionage on the part of the U.S. especially during WWII. Interesting how that helped to win the war.

Fascinating, prescient guy

Had no idea the scope of Donovan's accomplishments. Highly recommended addition to understanding the present.

An amazing man!

This audiobook exceeded my expectations on all accounts. The narrator brought the exploits and accomplishments of Wild Bill Donovan to life. Donovan was a creator, thinker, and leader.

This is a most informative, entertaining and motivating book.

Every aspect of this book is excellent. The flow established by the author is augmented by the narrator. A course on leadership and it’s fundamental principles can be built upon this book. It is simply a superlative book - in fact of all the books that I have listened to it by far is the best !

Great Story about a Great man

This is an extremely long and detailed story about Donovan’s life and all he did for this country. The only thing I would have liked to hear more of if about his wife Ruth. If Anyone one ever deserved a high ranking metal it would be her. Sounds like she lived most of her married life alone

Possibly America's finest hero!

I have heard his name used but I did not know much else.
Out of curiosity I got this book and tuned in.
Wow what a man. The things he did and the things he accomplished.
It makes for fascinating reading.
Really enjoyed it.

The pronunciation kills me

Please, please, please, you are being paid to read words. It is cavalry NOT Calvary. This was the worst of many mispronunciations. You have a nice voice for this work, but double check your work. It was humorous when combined with your confident annunciation.

Great Man. Great Hero, Great Book

What a tremendous patriot and leader. A man of such intellectual capacity, work ethic, vision, perseverance, foresight, discipline, and grit came at the right time and was uniquely qualified to fill the bill during the war(s). A bonafide hero that did not nor could not, rest on his laurels. I knew of him butt did not fully appreciate his contribution to the war success and creation of the intelligence service that was surely needed. The OSS was that "skunk works' effort that proved to be productive and the model for next generation intel operations. It really supports the importance of the right person for the right job and knowing a person's capabilities. The tales of Unit 101 in Burma and their local tribal help was fortuitous. Had the Japanese not committed atrocities in their villages they might not have felt the need to join the fight by aligning with Allies. Without that alliance. Burma war does not unfold that way to US benefit.