The Craft of Intelligence

America's Legendary Spy Master on the Fundamentals of Intelligence Gathering for a Free World

By: Allen W. Dulles

Narrated by: L. J. Ganser

If the experts could point to any single book as a starting point for understanding the subject of intelligence from the late 20th century to today, that single book would be Allen W. Dulles's The Craft of Intelligence.

This classic of spycraft is based on Allen Dulles's incomparable experience as a diplomat, international lawyer, and America's premier intelligence officer. Dulles was a high-ranking officer of the CIA's predecessor - the Office of Strategic Services - and was present at the inception of the CIA, where he served eight of his 10 years there as director. Here he sums up what he learned about intelligence from nearly a half-century of experience in foreign affairs.

In World War II his OSS agents penetrated the German Foreign Office, worked with the anti-Nazi underground resistance, and established contacts that brought about the Nazi military surrender in North Italy. Under his direction the CIA developed both a dedicated corps of specialists and a whole range of new intelligence devices, from the U-2 high-altitude photographic plane to minute electronic listening and transmitting equipment.

©2016 Joan Buresch Talley (P)2017 Tantor

What wonderful insight into geopolitical/intelligence in the early 1960s.

Eye opening to see how different is the geopolitical landscape was in 1962 compared to 2023. And how similar the core elements of intelligence are today, despite different delivery methods.

Very informative about past operations

This reading Will help you understand how the Cia functions within a free society and obstacles it must face.

dated

pretty good just a bit dated. its old/ its been a hot minute ya know

Good info, dry execution

I struggled to get through it without day dreaming but I am glad I did. It isn't exactly an unbiased perspective but does provide some insight.

A Bit Dry

It reads like a history textbook. Its not poorly written, just not what I was looking for. I've read about Allen Dulles and thought this might be about his time in the OSS and forming of the CIA, and maybe the book with get there eventually. But, I could only make it through about 4 chapters. Far too many names I didn't know, and too far back in history. As best I can tell, this was written in 1963 (Allen Dulles died in 1969). Before choosing this one, be aware of what it is.

Pretty educational, but a bit pandering

Really like it over all. Very educational.
But felt like it was a little pandering at parts, maybe a little to much pro-intelligence. Nothing wrong with that per say, but it could have been more subjective letting the listener/reader make their own choice alone based on the narrative.

Good content and Great narration

It was a very interesting read. Reveals allot of important work that our CIA does to keep us safe and really helps boost confidence and respect for what they do.

It’s as if Allen Dulles was reading it himself

Classic work on American intelligence that every interested citizen or professional must read. This narration was extraordinary, spoken in a tone with mannerisms straight out of the early 1960s when Allen Dulles wrote it - it sounded just as if Dulles was reading it aloud.

Good insights

I like the author’s presentation of the history and operations of intelligence services. He provided good context from someone that has been on the secret side of this issue. Well written.

The continent is kind of oh but it’s still interesting and relevant

It is an interesting read. It can’t be mystifies to see a little bit deals with the spy craft has some very interesting stories of how spies have been captured or tripped out. It’s interesting read and I would recommend it.