Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
1st out of 26 books
—
23 voters
Blind Man's Bluff: The Untold Story of American Submarine Espionage
For decades American submarines have roamed the depths in a dangerous battle for information and advantage in missions known only to a select few. Now, after six years of research, those missions are told in Blind Man's Bluff, a magnificent achievement in investigative reporting. It reads like a spy thriller -- except everything in it is true. This is an epic of adventure,...more
Paperback, 432 pages
Published
October 3rd 2000
by William Morrow Paperbacks
(first published 1998)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
2,534)
Apr 20, 2008
Emily
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
cold war/history/politics geeks
Shelves:
non-fiction
So this one time I was watching The Hunt For Red October on TV, and marveling that this whole submarine espionage was kind of a silly thing. "Yeah?" my dad said. "You should read this book."
So I did. It turns out that it wasn't just silly, it was INSANE. The book isn't spectacularly well-written, and it's definitely the kind of thing that makes people look at you like a geek, but wow. This is how the Cold War was run, according to the confidential interviews and investigative journalism of the a...more
So I did. It turns out that it wasn't just silly, it was INSANE. The book isn't spectacularly well-written, and it's definitely the kind of thing that makes people look at you like a geek, but wow. This is how the Cold War was run, according to the confidential interviews and investigative journalism of the a...more
Excellent narrative of submarine warfar with a Tom Clancy touch. An early sub, Cochino, that went down in ’49 from a fire from the batteries. 10 men were lost from Sub Tusk in rescue attempt. The sub world is filled with games of tag and chicken that were incredibly dangerous for the crews and world peace. In 1958, the first US sub Gudgeon was forced to surface from being caught by the soviets in their traditional areas. Much of the book is about the Navies tapping of Soviet communication cables...more
I used to tease my brother that if submarines ever proved themselves, we would through a couple in the hanger bay (the deck below the flight deck on a carier). He would respond by telling me that I wouldn't be so cocky if I knew what submarines were really about. "So tell me," I would say.
"Can't. Classified. But, if you really want to know, read Blind Man's Bluff."
I read it, and I was stunned. I thought the flight deck was the most exciting and the most dangerous place a man could be. I was wro...more
"Can't. Classified. But, if you really want to know, read Blind Man's Bluff."
I read it, and I was stunned. I thought the flight deck was the most exciting and the most dangerous place a man could be. I was wro...more
This book is a fascinating look at the spy missions of American submarines during the Cold War. The authors did a phenomenal amount of research, to ascertain the true nature of the Navy's and the CIA's underwater spy missions. The book briefly describes some of the new technologies that were applied, and goes into depth (is this pun intended?) about the challenges, problems, accidents, and successes encountered during the secret missions. The book delves into problems of conscience, as the offic...more
2 likes · like · see review
During the Cold War, American submarines spied on the Soviet Union, in ways that were both legal and illegal, like underwater U-2s. One chapter tells about Operation Ivy Bells, the tapping of an underwater cable in the Sea of Okhotsk between a Soviet submarine base and the command of the Soviet Pacific Fleet. Another tells about Project Azorian, which was an attempt to raise a sunken Soviet missile submarine; there is now a whole book about it, which purports to correct the mistakes in this book...more
Many chapters of the Cold War were unseen and unknown to the general public. Among the most secret operations were those conducted undersea by the U.S. Navy’s submarine force. In Blind Man’s Bluff: The Untold Story of American Submarine Espionage, Sherry Sontag and Christopher Drew tell tales derived from interviewing submariners that include technological marvels and unparalleled courage.
Before reading this book, most have a perception of the submarine force consisting of two main missions, at...more
Before reading this book, most have a perception of the submarine force consisting of two main missions, at...more
Non-fiction, very well researched. It is not dry and is a page turner. The book is able to explain the nature of the brotherhood of the submariners through stories where our submariners are caught up in the loss of Soviet subs... it matters not the politics, it matters that respected submariners are lost.
The development of the US and Soviet fleets is tracked as are the accidents, incidents, and tragedies. The researchers have done a phenomenol job of digging deeply into the stories to pull out d...more
The development of the US and Soviet fleets is tracked as are the accidents, incidents, and tragedies. The researchers have done a phenomenol job of digging deeply into the stories to pull out d...more
Account of American spying on the Russians using nuclear armed submarines. This books outlines how close the two superpowers came to armed confrontations during the cold war. It is full of fantastical accounts of the CIA, NSA and other bodies trying to listen to Soviet communications. One of the most interesting is of course the attempt to raise a sunken Soviet submarine off the ocean floor using a specially built (by Howard Hughes) ship!
At times I pride myself on knowing a little bit about history and the mechanics that have shaped out world today. I must admit I felt very humbled by this book. Yes, most of us know of the Cuban Missle Crises and how close the countdown clock approached a confrontation between the US and the USSR. It's what we didn't know after the Crisis passed that was so enlightening.
The authors do an excellent job of combing the stories of the submariners who took part in "keeping the peace" with the current...more
There has to be something wrong with you if you don't like submarine movies. Hunt for Red October, Das Boot, Crimson Tide, even relatively schlock like K-19 is solid in my book. Take a bunch of men, cram then in a steel tube deep beneath the waves, throw in a nuclear reactor and a dozen ways to end the world, and you have instant drama.
Well, sometimes the truth surpasses fiction. Blind Man's Bluff covers some of the most harrowing intelligence battles of the Cold War from the point of view of Am...more
Well, sometimes the truth surpasses fiction. Blind Man's Bluff covers some of the most harrowing intelligence battles of the Cold War from the point of view of Am...more
I find the story interesting having lived through some aspects of it long ago as a submariner. Nice to know what might have been going on in the forward section of the boat while I spent my time in the after section in engineering. However, I'm taking some of these stories with a grain of salt since it appears that some of them have been "peached" up according to some Amazon reviewers.
As to the fate of the Scorpion, the authors leave us baffled regarding the causes; first they relate a Navy anal...more
As to the fate of the Scorpion, the authors leave us baffled regarding the causes; first they relate a Navy anal...more
I started reading this book on the recommendation of one of my American colleagues at work . At first , I was a little skeptical to read this book on the American submarines espionage programs that ran in the cold war era as I was not too aware of the American or Societ political setup , but Once I started reading it , i was glued to the book right from chapter one with its simple , yet powerful , narration . It was as if the action was happening right in front me .
Excellent write up by the wr...more
Blind Man’s Bluff by Sherry Sontag and Christopher Drew is one of the most captivating books I have ever read. This book is a compilation of short stories from the submarine fleet from the cold war. In the beginning of the book diesel submarines are the most complex the navy has. These boats can submerge only shortly before requiring air and having to resurface. As the book progresses nuclear submarines are developed with greater capabilities. This led to more daring and suspenseful spy missions...more
Great reading in the blend between technical and story-telling. At the time add this to my 'Good Reads' list, the discovery of the remains of the Air France jet that was lost in the storm coming from Brazil is approx. 2 months and the section of this book dealign with the lost submarine the 'Scorpion' gives you reasonable imagination as to how they might have finally found that Air France aircraft - that is how informative this book was.
Even if you do not enjoy military reading but have some int...more
Even if you do not enjoy military reading but have some int...more
I knew nothing about submarines. Thanks to this book, I feel I can now know say I know next to nothing. This a fascinating introduction to what the US was doing with its spy subs over the years, the politics of the program across agencies and administrations, and the risks the submariners had to take to accomplish their tasks. I'm sure that people who know more see flaws and gaps in the book, but for someone with a completely blank slate, it seemed like a well-researched glimpse (through fuzzy,...more
The other reviews for this book did not disappoint. It reads like a Hunt for Red October, Das Boot, U-571, K-19, and other submarine drama movies.
The book covers the history of American submarines from WWII until around 1990. It explains the successes we had and the failures. You will learn a lot about covert operations, and the types of submarines we have used. You will also learn some details about other countries, especially Russia, and their submarines.
It is truly amazing what people can do...more
The book covers the history of American submarines from WWII until around 1990. It explains the successes we had and the failures. You will learn a lot about covert operations, and the types of submarines we have used. You will also learn some details about other countries, especially Russia, and their submarines.
It is truly amazing what people can do...more
This book came out in 1999 which may seem old. However, with this being the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missle Crisis, I think that it has some relavence today. The story of the 4 subs that had nuclear warheads on board and were sent to Cuba during the crisis is a chilling one. But if you read this book, you'll not only have an increased respect for those submariners but the American submariners as well. It's an amazing tale with a perfect title for the cat and mouse games that the subs played...more
Wow this book was very engrossing. I had no idea how close our country was to war with Russia. This book is a fascinating look at the previously classified role the US submarine force has in our country. The book is a work of investigative journalism using declassified documents and interviews from those who were involved with the submarine program. I loved the movie "The Hunt for Red October." I never realized how real much of that movie was. Both my husband and I found that this was a book we...more
Where to start...
This isn't a history book, this is a New York Times Bestselling Anecdote book. The anecdotes are a collection of amusing, horrifying, blood pumping, low grade jingoist bar room stories. And taken as that, it is a very enjoyable read and why it doesn't get only one star.
I think that without the Prologue and Afterword I could taken the book for what it is. Unfortunately, the Prologue proclaims that after years and years of hard research the authors can finally (and exclusively) te...more
This isn't a history book, this is a New York Times Bestselling Anecdote book. The anecdotes are a collection of amusing, horrifying, blood pumping, low grade jingoist bar room stories. And taken as that, it is a very enjoyable read and why it doesn't get only one star.
I think that without the Prologue and Afterword I could taken the book for what it is. Unfortunately, the Prologue proclaims that after years and years of hard research the authors can finally (and exclusively) te...more
Not many people truley understand the impact that the submarine has made to warfare. Still fewer people realise the critical role submarines played in spying on the Soviet Union during the cold war. If you enjoyed the Hunt for the Red October then you will enjoy this, because it is real history.
The book follows the progression of the covert submarine operations from the end of the Second World War till now. It gives great insight into the men that crewed these boast as well as the me who command...more
The book follows the progression of the covert submarine operations from the end of the Second World War till now. It gives great insight into the men that crewed these boast as well as the me who command...more
I served a couple of years in missile submarines (SAM HOUSTON, HENRY L STIMSON) in the mid-1960's. At the time, and for most of the many years since, I could say practically nil about the fascinating technology we worked with, and the (often all-too-) exciting tactical situations we got involved in. This book presents an accurate, objective picture of the submarine Cold War of those days. A young radioman once came to me, troubled by the thought of unleashing Armageddon if the day ever came. He...more
The story of the submarine navy during the cold war. The Navy used submarines for spying on the Soviets.The book is a series of stories about various incidents that happened between 1945 and 1990. The most interesting is the story of the submarine cable tapping operations. The submarines located and placed taps on a number of Soviet communications cables under the Okhotsk and Barents Seas. These provided incredibly valuable intelligence.
This is good. I never considered how subs came about and the trials and errors associated with learning to build nuclear submarines. Plus not to mention stories we did not hear of in the 70's that occurred between the USA and USSR back then. The author shows what happened when governmental agencies wanted to cash in on the Navies activities in the ocean and how bureaucracy played in part too.
It's worth listening to and reading for that matter.
It's worth listening to and reading for that matter.
These folks were nuts. Favorite part is how the U.S. was able to find and tap into the Soviets communications. The American skipper remembered going up and down the Mississippi as a kid, seeing signs that said "Do Not Anchor" where there was phone cables under the water - the dumbo ruskies did the same thing, but in their military port! The pinheads basically told us where to set up surveillance and audio spy gear. Great reading.
This book was recommended to me by a colleague. I can see where readers from the right generation would enjoy reading this book. It's a little too technical for my taste when reading for fun. If I grew up in the timeframe the stories take place during, I bet I'd enjoy it much more. It's been a slow read so far but I intend on finishing it.
Didn't quite finish it - just couldn't stay focused enough. Got most of the way through though.
Didn't quite finish it - just couldn't stay focused enough. Got most of the way through though.
Feb 20, 2008
Linda
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone willing to step out of their reading comfort zone in the interest of a gripping narrative
Shelves:
history,
non-fiction
I read this book when it first came out -- I actually bought it as a Christmas gift for my dad (right up his alley) and ended up reading it entire, much to my surprise, before putting it under the tree!
I never would have thought I would have gotten into this book, as I was not too into non-fiction in general at the time, and certainly not navy or submarine history! But, as a Russian/East European Area Studies kinda gal, I started leafing through it, and before I knew it, I was completely hooked....more
I never would have thought I would have gotten into this book, as I was not too into non-fiction in general at the time, and certainly not navy or submarine history! But, as a Russian/East European Area Studies kinda gal, I started leafing through it, and before I knew it, I was completely hooked....more
One of the best reads in a long time. If there is anything you'd like to know about modern submarine warfare or underwater espionage, it can be found between these two well-crafted covers. A bit heavy with the footnotes at times, the reader is practically whacked with a wealth of relevant information, including harrowing tales - one after the other - of men in peril far beneath the waves.
This is a very important book revealing some of the stories of American heroes who road American boats under the world's oceans during the Cold War. Most heroes, some ordinary people doing extraordinary deeds, and others who betrayed their country, their fellow servicemen, and effected the course of American history including a President who decided not to seek a second term. A must read.
A very cool book about underwater submarine spying and gamesmanship during the Cold War and just beyond. Apparently, there is still controversy and mixed opinions about what caused an American sub to explode and sink in the 1960's. This book offers one theory but I've read about others more recently.
A really fun behind-the-scenes history book . . .
Too many of the "facts" conflict with books published later,
This is a 1990's book with all the limitations of being out of date.
Also why does the author need to comment on the shape of most of the characters?
this guy is built like: a wrestler, stout, skinny, ad nauseam,
she needs to get laid before she writes another book.
This is a 1990's book with all the limitations of being out of date.
Also why does the author need to comment on the shape of most of the characters?
this guy is built like: a wrestler, stout, skinny, ad nauseam,
she needs to get laid before she writes another book.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Man's Bluff/Move Over Clancy | 4 | 32 | Nov 19, 2012 12:53pm |
Mar 02, 2009 06:42am