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The FBI-KGB War
A memoir of former FBI special agent Lamphere's involvement in the post World War II spook sweep in the US, reading like a slice of Cold War history with a generous dash of John Le Carre spy intrigue. The author chronicles his work with the FBI in uncovering the Rosenberg spy network, including Judi
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 1986
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 20, 2024
A fascinating and engaging glimpse into the life’s work of a FBI special agent. The ‘behind-the-scenes’ recounting of cases, some infamous, are intriguing. There is a slough of information and people to muddle through, yet the underlying stories are fascinating.
Most compelling of all is the background of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, the widely known Soviet spies who brazenly compromised American war time secrets. Their trial, convictions, and sentences really say it all.
The FBI-KGB War: A Special Agent’s Story is difficult to read at times, both for its intricacy and shear number of acknowledged spies, yet also for its detail. A worthwhile read nonetheless for those who relish reading and learning about historical events that shape the USA and the world.
Includes Notes and Index.
Thank you to Dean L., a good reader friend, who passed this one along to me.
Most compelling of all is the background of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, the widely known Soviet spies who brazenly compromised American war time secrets. Their trial, convictions, and sentences really say it all.
The FBI-KGB War: A Special Agent’s Story is difficult to read at times, both for its intricacy and shear number of acknowledged spies, yet also for its detail. A worthwhile read nonetheless for those who relish reading and learning about historical events that shape the USA and the world.
Includes Notes and Index.
Thank you to Dean L., a good reader friend, who passed this one along to me.
April 7, 2020
The book was well written and easy to understand it helped me to understand that times
February 4, 2023
Lamphere was an FBI agent from 1941-55. He worked in the New York office tasked with Soviet espionage matters. It’s a good read that moves at a fine pace and it kept my attention. Lamphere covers the Rosenbergs, Greenglasses, Sobells, Silvermaster, Gold, Katz and many other lesser known agents. Senator McCarthy is cited on only three pages. Lamphere believes McCarthy’s methods harmed the FBI’s anti-communist efforts.
Why only three stars, then? The Wall Street Journal review for this book states, “Excellent…A Lively, Fascinating and careful treatment of superpower spying.” My personal takeaway is that the author was indeed careful. Careful not to bring attention to the Jewishness of so many KGB/Communist assets. The FBI was most likely aware of this, but the author chose not to mention it. One wonders what other sensitive information was filtered out.
Why only three stars, then? The Wall Street Journal review for this book states, “Excellent…A Lively, Fascinating and careful treatment of superpower spying.” My personal takeaway is that the author was indeed careful. Careful not to bring attention to the Jewishness of so many KGB/Communist assets. The FBI was most likely aware of this, but the author chose not to mention it. One wonders what other sensitive information was filtered out.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews