I recently finished “Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA” by Tim Weiner (2007) and wanted to share my thoughts. When I think of the Central Intelligence Agency, I picture excitement and espionage, the rivalry with the Soviets, and the belief in America’s superiority. However, this book shattered my illusions. It revealed a CIA in its early days filled with individuals stumbling in the dark, unsure of what they were doing and throwing endless amounts of money at operations they barely understood. It’s a sobering realization, but it hasn’t shaken my faith in the agency entirely. While it’s just one perspective, this book is a compelling read that offers valuable insights into the complexities and challenges faced by intelligence agencies. Highly recommend diving into it for a nuanced understanding of CIA history. Has anyone else read it? What are your thoughts?
by Latter-Difficulty-23
2 Comments
on the weaker end of the CIA historiography – I would recommend Peter Dale Scott as an exponentially more serious historian along with
CIA as Organized Crime – Douglas Valentine
The Devil’s Chessboard – David Talbot
JFK & the Unspeakable – James Douglass
Destiny Betrayed – Jim DiEugenio
Aberration in the Heartland of the Real – Wendy Painting
The Last Circle – Cheri Seymour
Poisoner in Chief – Stephen Kinzer
CHAOS – Tom O’Neill
The Great Heroin Coup – Henrik Krueger
The Man Who Knew Too Much – Dick Russell
American Exception – Aaron Good
Not Exactly the CIA – Roger Phelps
Operation Gladio – Paul Williams
Gladio – Richard Cottrell
Thank you very much! Could I anticipate a slightly improved outlook for the agency?