A Short Course in the Secret War

by Christopher Felix

Based in part on author Felix's personal experiences as a political agent in Hungary in the decades after World War II, this work explains what the rules are for secret operations, why the U. S. needs them, and how good a job our government and others are doing in practice. Chapters cover the political and social systems that a spy must rely on, the personal dilemmas an agent faces, and the tricks to keeping one's cover. A new afterword features revelations on Raoul Wallenberg's fate, British turncoat Kim Philby, and more.

Genres: Espionage, History, War, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[Brent Winslow · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of A Short Course in the Secret War describes US intelligence policies, developed during WWII and expanded during the Cold War, with the second half describing the author's experiences in Hungary prior to Soviet takeover.

The ideas remain valid in 2020 - "the cardinal rule of such operations - do not make unnecessary promises or promises you have neither the ability nor intention to keep. Once a promise is given, an agreement made, it must be kept to the best of one's ability. In the jungle of international politics this is the equivalent of 'honor among thieves'."

[Sarah Kaminski · Rating 2 out of 5]

The second half wasn’t bad, but it was hard to read due to its 50-year-old syntax.