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Spycraft: The Secret History of the CIA's Spytechs from Communism to Al-Qaeda Audiobook
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(3.09) - 355 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
—Secret instructions written in invisible ink
—Covert communications slipped inside dead rats
—Subminiature cameras hidden in ballpoint pens
If these sound like the stuff of science fiction or imaginary tools of James Bond's gadget-master Q's trade, think again. They are real-life devices created by the CIA's Office of Technical Service. Now, in the first book ever written about this ultrasecretive department, the former director of OTS teams up with an internationally renowned intelligence historian to give listeners an unprecedented look at the devices and operations deemed "inappropriate for public disclosure" by the CIA just two years ago.
Spycraft tells amazing life-and-death stories about this little-known group, much of it never before revealed. Against the backdrop of some of America's most critical periods in recent history—including the cold war, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the war on terror—the authors show the real technical and human story of how the CIA carries out its missions.
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"So far, I like this book. I'm about 200 pages in and I read it mostly when I'm in between books. It's a big one. If you're interested in non-fiction, clandestine government endeavors, you'll enjoy this. It's pretty dry and reads more like a history book than a non-fiction novel, but I like it. My favorite part is learning about the CIA operations from years ago. I was really fascinated by the Soviet-era counter-intelligence operations and the technology used to gather intel back then. You just know that there are crazy things going on now within our government that are classified, but will come out 40 years from now to shock you. It also makes you wonder about the things that happened 40 years ago and are still classified that they can't write books about."
— Andie (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“The authors persuasively argue that employing and defending against sophisticated digital technology is the primary challenge facing US intelligence in the twenty-first century. Their position invites challenge, but it cannot be dismissed.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Wallace’s work conveys the critical minutiae of clandestine activity, where one slipup can kill an agent, to spy buffs and CIA applicants alike.”
— Booklist -
“This book is absolutely the best I’ve ever read about the CIA’s ‘spy-techs’…A must-read.”
— Pete Earley, author of Comrade J: The Untold Secrets of Russia’s Master Spy After the End of the Cold War -
This book is absolutely the best I've ever read about the CIA's 'spy-techs'.... A must-read.
— Pete Earley, author of Comrade J: The Untold Secrets of Russia's Master Spy After the End of the Cold War
Spycraft Listener Reviews
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" Great book! Intriguing what with all the cloak and dagger stuff. Highly recommend. "
— Terry, 2/16/2014 -
" Pretty good book describing the co-evolution of American espionage and technological gadgets. It's heavy on the acronyms - fyi, there's a cheat sheet at the end of the book. The book alternated in tone quite a bit, from encyclopedic to narrative and back again. I would have liked to read the last couple chapters first as they gave a good overview of the relationship between tech and wet-work. I haven't returned the book to the library yet....there's also a secret message included in the book that you can solve using an OTP (one time pad)provided in the text. That's pretty cool. "
— Matt, 2/8/2014 -
" Damn interesting book. "
— George, 2/7/2014 -
" A very interesting book. It's written from the perspective of a former CIA chief, so the author is cheerily enthusiastic about the CIA's successes with technology, but he also talks a lot about their failures. If you've ever wondered if there's any truth to the gadgets seen in movies, this book explains it all, from installing tiny microphones to breaking into the KGB's lead-encased sewer pipe wires in downtown Moscow. "
— Josh, 1/7/2014 -
" Authoritative and engaging. A lot of book for your money. "
— Joe, 1/2/2014 -
" Not what I was hoping for, It was interesting but I never got thru it. "
— Zack, 12/24/2013 -
" History of the more technical aspects of the CIA. Very interesting stories, although a bit repetitive at times. "
— Hadrian, 12/23/2013 -
" Very informative in a technical aspect with anecdotes thrown in. Good read "
— Henry, 12/20/2013 -
" Enjoyable for those who like to keep up with the art of the possible. I'm not sure how accurate are the contents of any of these types of books, but in the past much of the material in them has been verified by later disclosures. "
— Ronald, 12/19/2013 -
" Very interesting history. "
— John, 12/17/2013 -
" Interesting inside look at use of technology in American spycraft. "
— Bob, 10/22/2013 -
" A historical account of the gadgets created by the CIA's Technical Service Division. If you are even mildly intrigued by the gadgets that Q creates in the Bond movies, you will enjoy this book. It discusses the development and use of clandestine gadgets from WWII to the War on Terror. "
— Craig, 10/21/2013 -
" Fascinating. The ingenuity of Technical Services Division (TSD) engineers from the Cold War days through the turn of the century is mind blowing. If your favorite part of the James Bond films is less "shaken, not stirred" and more Q, then this book is for you. "
— Alex, 8/29/2013 -
" Excellent and fascinating history of the technical achievements of the CIA. "
— Michael, 7/14/2013 -
" Provides a really great peek behind the curtains of the espionage world. A must-read if you're in to that type of thing. "
— Jay, 3/9/2013 -
" An interesting, if very "go CIA" book. "
— Jeremiah, 11/19/2012 -
" (audiobook) well worth the read "
— WTL, 10/21/2012 -
" Full of great stories and inside information. It's a bit long at 19 hours for the audiobook, but thats good because you don't want it to end! "
— Devin, 9/10/2012 -
" Well, it was pretty good, although, once again, I want to stab the name in the face. "
— Alex, 1/17/2012 -
" Great book to understand the history and role spy gadgets and tools played in 20th century espionage. "
— Domenico, 10/7/2011 -
" Good stories and fun spy gear. Book didn't have much of a point other than showing off the ingenuity of designers and agents. "
— Bruce, 8/14/2011 -
" Great book! Some of the book was a little tedious; however, some anecdotes read like thrillers. "
— Dustin, 7/26/2011 -
" A very interesting book. Not dry, describing the clandestine operational hardwares. Enlightening!! "
— Dgg32, 5/29/2011 -
" History of the more technical aspects of the CIA. Very interesting stories, although a bit repetitive at times. "
— Kaworu, 5/14/2011 -
" Excellent and fascinating history of the technical achievements of the CIA. "
— Unconsoled, 3/6/2011 -
" Good stories and fun spy gear. Book didn't have much of a point other than showing off the ingenuity of designers and agents. "
— Bruce, 11/25/2010 -
" Pretty good stuff, I found it focusing more on the past and the soviet times compared to Al-Qaeda times which I would have preferred, however it was interesting. "
— Ryan, 7/22/2010 -
" Great book! Some of the book was a little tedious; however, some anecdotes read like thrillers. "
— Dustin, 7/3/2010 -
" A historical account of the gadgets created by the CIA's Technical Service Division. If you are even mildly intrigued by the gadgets that Q creates in the Bond movies, you will enjoy this book. It discusses the development and use of clandestine gadgets from WWII to the War on Terror. "
— Craig, 1/2/2010 -
" An interesting, if very "go CIA" book. "
— Jeremiah, 7/2/2009 -
" Interesting inside look at use of technology in American spycraft. "
— Bob, 6/27/2009 -
" Full of great stories and inside information. It's a bit long at 19 hours for the audiobook, but thats good because you don't want it to end! "
— Devin, 9/12/2008 -
" Very interesting and gives good insight in the America's history in espionage. "
— Matt, 9/4/2008
About the Authors
David Drummond has made his living as an actor for over twenty-five years, appearing on stages large and small throughout the country and in Seattle, Washington, his hometown. He has narrated over thirty audiobooks, in genres ranging from current political commentary to historical nonfiction, fantasy, military, thrillers, and humor. He received an AudioFile Earphones Award for his first audiobook, Love ’Em or Lose ’Em: Getting Good People to Stay. When not narrating, he keeps busy writing plays and stories for children.
H. Keith Melton is a renowned military historian, author, and expert on clandestine devices and equipment. Melton is the author of several books on espionage, including The Ultimate Spy Book, CIA Special Weapons and Equipment, and OSS Special Weapons and Equipment and Clandestine Warfare.
Henry Robert Schlesinger is an author and journalist who has covered intelligence technologies, counterterrorism, and law enforcement. His work has appeared in Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, Technology Review, and Smithsonian magazine. He lives in New York City.
About David Drummond
David Drummond has made his living as an actor for over twenty-five years, appearing on stages large and small throughout the country and in Seattle, Washington, his hometown. He has narrated over thirty audiobooks, in genres ranging from current political commentary to historical nonfiction, fantasy, military, thrillers, and humor. He received an AudioFile Earphones Award for his first audiobook, Love ’Em or Lose ’Em: Getting Good People to Stay. When not narrating, he keeps busy writing plays and stories for children.