The Quiet Americans
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 2,668 ratings, 311 reviews)Read More
The Quiet Americans
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
The Quiet Americans
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Lawrence in Arabia, a gripping history of the early years of the Cold War, the CIA’s covert battles against communism, and the tragic consequences which still affect America and the world today
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Lawrence in Arabia, a gripping history of the early years of the Cold War, the CIA's covert battles against communism, and the tragic consequences which still affect America and the world today
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionAt the conclusion of World War II, the United States stood triumphant, dominating the global stage militarily, economically, and morally, seen universally as the beacon of freedom. However, the shadows of a new conflict were already forming, as the Soviet Union began to execute its plans for expansion and revolution. In response, the American government turned to a newly-formed intelligence agency: the CIA. The Quiet Americans by Scott Anderson delves into this critical period through the lives of four pivotal spies.
The narrative follows Michael Burke, an affable former football star facing hard times; Frank Wisner, an intelligent scion of a wealthy Southern family; Peter Sichel, a cultured German Jew who managed to escape the Nazis; and Edward Lansdale, a brilliant advertising executive. These four men conducted clandestine operations across the globe, employing diverse strategies to thwart the feared KGB. From Berlin to Eastern Europe, from orchestrated coups to directing covert wars against Communist insurgents in Asia, their missions were fraught with danger, intrigue, and moral ambiguity.
Anderson weaves a story that is darkly entertaining and profoundly reflective of our modern-day scepticism about espionage. Through their exploits, time and again, the four spies found their efforts undermined, not just by external enemies, but by the internal failings of their own government. Incidents of stupidity and ideological rigidity at the highest levels often thwarted their plans, ultimately resulting in moral compromises and the abandonment of core American ideals.
By the mid-1950s, the situation had spiralled: the Soviet Union maintained an iron grip on Eastern Europe, the United States was embroiled in a calamitous intervention in Vietnam, and American actions had earned the disdain of much of the world. The culmination of these events permanently entrenched the Cold War dynamic, leaving a legacy of mistrust and betrayal.
Scott Anderson's deeply researched and skilfully narrated account brings the lives of these four men into vivid detail. Two of them would ultimately resign from the CIA, distraught by the moral sacrifices required; one would become emblematic of the duplicitous and destructive nature of espionage; and one would be driven to the depths of despair, ending his own life.
The Quiet Americans is more than just the story of four individuals; it is a profound examination of how the United States, at the height of its power, managed to undermine its own moral authority. Anderson applies the same narrative vigour, critical eye, and engaging prose that made Lawrence in Arabia an international bestseller, providing a gripping and insightful look into the early days of the CIA and the complexities of the Cold War.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Quiet Americans by Scott Anderson is praised for its captivating storytelling, weaving the thrilling and tragic tales of four CIA operatives during the Cold War. Reviews highlight its vivid narrative, moral complexities, and contemporary relevance, noting Anderson's skill in making historical espionage both engaging and thought-provoking.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781529066265
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 03 February 2022
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Picador
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 36.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 453g
Pages: 576
About the Author
Scott Anderson is the author of two novels and four works of nonfiction, including Lawrence in Arabia, an international bestseller which was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award and a New York Times Notable Book. A veteran war correspondent, he writes frequently for the New York Times Magazine.
More from Politics & Current Affairs
View allWhy buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 10,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Pick Ups
We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.