The first definitive work to chronicle the history, profile prominent figures, examine world-renowned agencies, and mark key events that have shaped the present U.S. intelligence landscape. With contributions from scholars, researchers, academics, and practicing professionals, it explores issues that reflect the public interest about American intelligence at every level from the public to the private sector.

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is one of the most fascinating yet least understood intelligence gathering organizations in the world

From references to secret agents in The Art of War in 400 B.C.E. to the Bush administration's ongoing War on Terrorism, espionage has always been an essential part of state security policies. This illustrated encyclopedia traces the fascinating stories of spies, intelligence, and counterintelligence throughout history, both internationally and in the United States. Written specifically for students and general readers by scholars, former intelligence officers, and other experts, Encyclopedia of Intelligence and Counterintelligence provides a unique background perspective for viewing history and current events. In easy-to-understand, non-technical language, it explains how espionage works as a function of national policy; traces the roots of national security; profiles key intelligence leaders, agents, and double-agents; discusses intelligence concepts and techniques; and profiles the security organizations and intelligence history and policies of nations around the world. As a special feature, the set also includes forewords by former CIA Director Robert M. Gates and former KGB Major General Oleg Kalugin that help clarify the evolution of intelligence and counterintelligence and their crucial roles in world affairs today.

Defrauding America: Encyclopedia of Secret Operations of the CIA, the DEA, and Other Covert agencies, worldwide, for the past 50 years. It is written by former federal agent Rodney Stich with input from dozens of former government agents and drug smugglers, including many CIA assets. The author has written over a dozen books on government intrigue, and has appeared as guest on over 3,000 radio and TV shows since 1978. More information can be found at www.defraudingamerica.com.

The only comprehensive and up-to-date book of its kind with the latest information.

By intelligence officials for intelligent people

A “splendidly written, impeccably researched, and perfectly fascinating” look at clandestine operations from colonial times to the Cuban Missile Crisis (The Washington Post Book World). We’ve always depended on intelligence gathering to drive foreign policy in peacetime and command decision in war—but that work has often taken place in the shadows. Honorable Treachery fills in these details in our national history, dramatically recounting every important intelligence operation from our nation’s birth into the early 1960s. Among numerous other stories, the book recounts how in 1795, President Washington mounted a covert operation to ransom American hostages in the Middle East; how in 1897, Kaiser Wilhelm II’s plans for an invasion of the United States were stopped by the director of the US Office of Naval Intelligence; and how President Woodrow Wilson created a secret agency called the Inquiry to compile intelligence for the peace negotiations at the end of World War I. From a Pulitzer Prize finalist who himself worked for the CIA, Honorable Treachery puts America’s use of covert intelligence into a broader historical context, providing a unique insight into the secret workings of our country. “O’Toole offers fascinating information generally unrecorded in traditional diplomatic and military histories.” —Library Journal