FROM AMAZON: The Sword and the Shield is based on one of the most extraordinary intelligence coups of recent times: a secret archive of top-level KGB documents smuggled out of the Soviet Union which the FBI has described, after close examination, as the “most complete and extensive intelligence ever received from any source.” Its presence in the West represents a catastrophic hemorrhage of the KGB’s secrets and reveals for the first time the full extent of its worldwide network. Vasili Mitrokhin, a secret dissident who worked in the KGB archive, smuggled out copies of its most highly classified files every day for twelve years. In 1992, a U.S. ally succeeded in exfiltrating the KGB officer and his entire archive out of Moscow. The archive covers the entire period from the Bolshevik Revolution to the 1980s and includes revelations concerning almost every country in the world. But the KGB’s main target, of course, was the United States. Though there is top-secret material on almost every country in the world, the United States is at the top of the list. As well as containing many fascinating revelations, this is a major contribution to the secret history of the twentieth century. Among the topics and revelations explored are: The KGB’s covert operations in the United States and throughout the West, some of which remain dangerous today. KGB files on Oswald and the JFK assassination that Boris Yeltsin almost certainly has no intention of showing President Clinton. The KGB’s attempts to discredit civil rights leader in the 1960s, including its infiltration of the inner circle of a key leader. The KGB’s use of radio intercept posts in New York and Washington, D.C., in the 1970s to intercept high-level U.S. government communications. The KGB’s attempts to steal technological secrets from major U.S. aerospace and technology corporations. KGB covert operations against former President Ronald Reagan, which began five years before he became president. KGB spies who successfully posed as U.S. citizens under a series of ingenious disguises, including several who attained access to the upper echelons of New York society.
BOOK REVIEW: The Sword and the Shield: The Mitrokhin Archive and the Secret History of the KGB by Christopher Andrew and Vasilli Mitrokhin
“The Sword and the Shield: The Mitrokhin Archive and the Secret History of the KGB” by Christopher Andrew is an astonishing work that offers readers an unparalleled glimpse into the dark underbelly of Soviet espionage. Based on the transcribed notes of KGB archivist Vasili Mitrokhin, this book unveils the astounding scale and depth of the Soviet intelligence apparatus’s global operations during the Cold War.
Andrew’s masterful storytelling and comprehensive research paint a vivid picture of the KGB’s covert activities, including espionage, disinformation, and sabotage, which spanned continents and decades. The book exposes the inner workings of this formidable intelligence agency, revealing the recruitment of agents, espionage successes, and even the code names of countless operatives.
Moreover, “The Sword and the Shield” explores the KGB’s influence on global events, shedding light on the agency’s efforts to manipulate foreign governments and sow discord in the West. It’s a chilling reminder of the far-reaching impact of espionage during a pivotal period in history.
One of the book’s standout features is its focus on Mitrokhin himself, a man who risked his life to preserve and expose the KGB’s secrets. His courage and dedication to revealing the truth behind the Iron Curtain add a personal dimension to the narrative, making it even more compelling.
In conclusion, “The Sword and the Shield” is a monumental work that provides invaluable insights into the world of intelligence and espionage. Christopher Andrew’s ability to synthesize vast amounts of information into a captivating narrative makes this book a must-read for history enthusiasts, espionage aficionados, and anyone interested in the intricacies of the Cold War’s secret battles. It’s a testament to the power of individuals like Vasili Mitrokhin, who risked everything to ensure that the truth would come to light.
My Goodreads Review:
The Sword and the Shield: The Mitrokhin Archive and the Secret History of the KGB by Christopher AndrewMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is a riveting journey into the heart of Cold War espionage, unveiling the meticulous records of KGB archivist Vasili Mitrokhin. Christopher Andrew’s impeccable research and storytelling skillfully unravel the KGB’s covert operations, offering readers an eye-opening account of the agency’s global reach and its impact on international affairs. This book is an indispensable resource for anyone intrigued by the hidden world of espionage and its profound influence on history.
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