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The Devil’s Chessboard

Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America’s Secret Government
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( 6,212 ratings, 780 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Devil's Chessboard by David Talbot delves into the life and influence of Allen Dulles, the former Director of the CIA, examining his pivotal role in shaping American intelligence operations during the Cold War. The book explores Dulles's extensive network and how it affected global politics, revealing the dark and secretive nature of U.S. interventions abroad. Through meticulous research, it paints a compelling picture of power and intrigue in mid-20th century America.
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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?

You might like this book if you are intrigued by historical espionage, covert operations, and political intrigue. It offers a deep dive into the shadowy world of the CIA and its influence on global and domestic affairs, making it ideal for those who enjoy uncovering the hidden stories behind pivotal events in modern history.

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The Devil’s Chessboard

Based on explosive new evidence, bestselling author David Talbot tells America’s greatest untold story: the United States’ rise to world dominance under the guile of Allen Welsh Dulles, the longest-serving director of the CIA.

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! Description

The Devil’s Chessboard by David Talbot is a riveting exposé that unveils a chilling narrative of power, deception, and intrigue at the highest levels of the United States government. Delving into the intricately woven saga of America’s ascent to international supremacy, Talbot turns the spotlight on Allen Welsh Dulles, the enigmatic and influential figure who served as the CIA’s longest-tenured director. Through meticulous research and recently uncovered evidence, the book offers a profound examination of Dulles's covert manipulation and shadowy dealings, both in the United States and abroad.

Entrenched in the corridors of power, Allen Dulles wielded an unparalleled influence, engineering strategic moves on the geopolitical stage that often circumvented legal boundaries. His actions, as laid bare in this powerful account, reveal a man who harnessed the vast resources of the CIA to further his own interests and those of his affluent allies. Throughout his tenure, Dulles orchestrated protection for German war criminals, orchestrated partnerships with organised crime, and engaged in activities that destabilised nations, all in an effort to maintain and expand American hegemony.

Talbot’s narrative is a detailed investigation into how Dulles's machinations extended into the echelons of American politics, potentially influencing the assassinations of significant political figures, including President John F. Kennedy and his brother, Robert Kennedy. The Devil’s Chessboard ventures beyond mere biography, offering a gripping exploration of the rise of the national security state and posing compelling questions about the moral and ethical cost of unchecked power.

This book challenges readers to reconsider the official history and understand the dark underbelly of American power. Through its meticulously uncovered narratives and compelling storytelling, The Devil’s Chessboard is an essential read for anyone interested in politics, history, or the unseen forces that shape global events. David Talbot’s shocking revelations stir the conscience and encourage a fervent debate about democracy, accountability, and the true battle for America’s soul.

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 Devil’s Chessboard by David Talbot offers a startling portrayal of Allen Dulles, unmasking him as a puppeteer in U.S. foreign and domestic policy during the Cold War. Reviews highlight the book's chilling depiction of power and deception, drawing comparisons to fictional spy thrillers and suggesting its relevance to modern issues of surveillance. Critics describe it as an engaging exposé that may sway sceptics of conspiracy theories, evoking a dramatic atmosphere reminiscent of the era's political intrigue.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008159689

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 October 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: William Collins

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 44.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 450g

Pages: 704

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About the Author

David Talbot is the author of the New York Times bestseller Brothers: The Hidden History of the Kennedy Years and the acclaimed national bestseller Season of the Witch. He is the founder and former editor-in-chief of Salon, and was a senior editor at Mother Jones magazine and the features editor at the San Francisco Examiner. He has written for The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Time, and other major publications.

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