This is an interesting, if sometimes depressing book. It relates all of Roosevelt's activities in spy-related areas. As such, it is very revealing. sometimes extremely so. I have a couple of shelves devoted to spy-related books about World War II, but there were numerous sections in this book providing information I was unaware of.
Roosevelt liked to believe he could charm anyone, but he failed miserably with Stalin. In fact, it was depressing to see how easily the Soviets infiltrated American organizations, even the White House. Roosevelt also played games with the people who worked for him, ofttimes playing one against another. I don't believe this is a good feature in a leader.
The author also states the U.S. didn't have a spy system until World War II. I take exception to that as even George Washington had spies working for his army. In fact, as related in Allen Dulles' book "Great True Spy Stories," one spy in New Jersey actually had Washington himself as his control officer. Plus, the Union Army under Grant had an organized spy system.
Roosevelt liked to believe he could charm anyone, but he failed miserably with Stalin. In fact, it was depressing to see how easily the Soviets infiltrated American organizations, even the White House. Roosevelt also played games with the people who worked for him, ofttimes playing one against another. I don't believe this is a good feature in a leader.
The author also states the U.S. didn't have a spy system until World War II. I take exception to that as even George Washington had spies working for his army. In fact, as related in Allen Dulles' book "Great True Spy Stories," one spy in New Jersey actually had Washington himself as his control officer. Plus, the Union Army under Grant had an organized spy system.
