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The Quiet Americans: Four CIA Spies at the Dawn of the Cold War
The Quiet Americans Four CIA Spies at the Dawn of the Cold War Author:Scott Anderson At the end of World War II, the United States was considered the victor over tyranny and a champion of freedom. But it was clear -- to some -- that the Soviet Union was already seeking to expand and foment revolution around the world, and the American government’s strategy in response relied on the secret efforts of a newly formed CIA. Chr... more »onicling the fascinating lives of four agents, Scott Anderson follows the exploits of four spies: Michael Burke, who organized parachute commandos from an Italian villa; Frank Wisner, an ingenious spymaster who directed actions around the world; Peter Sichel, a German Jew who outwitted the ruthless KGB in Berlin; and Edward Lansdale, a mastermind of psychological warfare in the Far East. But despite their lofty ambitions, time and again their efforts went awry, thwarted by a combination of ham-fisted politicking and ideological rigidity at the highest levels of the government.« less