The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles and the Rise of America's Secret Government

by David Talbot

There is an implacable brutality to power that is familiar throughout the world and throughout history. And no matter where power rules, there is the same determination by those in high places to keep their activities hidden.

“a cloudy organism of uncertain purpose and appalling power.”

Dulles also provided a template for Bush regent Dick Cheney’s executive absolutism and extreme security measures in the name of national defense.