FROM AMAZON: Filled with dramatic revelations, The Lost Spy may be the most important American spy story to come along in a generation.
For half a century, the case of Isaiah Oggins, a 1920s New York intellectual brutally murdered in 1947 on Stalin’s orders, remained hidden in the secret files of the KGB and the FBI—a footnote buried in the rubble of the Cold War. Then, in 1992, it surfaced briefly, when Boris Yeltsin handed over a deeply censored dossier to the White House. The Lost Spy at last reveals the truth: Oggins was one of the first Americans to spy for the Soviets.Based on six years of international sleuthing, The Lost Spy traces Oggins’s rise in beguiling detail—a brilliant Columbia University graduate sent to run a safe house in Berlin and spy on the Romanovs in Paris and the Japanese in Manchuria—and his fall: death by poisoning in a KGB laboratory. As harrowing as Darkness at Noon and as tragic as Dr. Zhivago, The Lost Spy is one of the great nonfiction detective stories of our time.
Unraveling Espionage: “The Lost Spy” by Andrew Meier
In a gripping exploration of the clandestine world of espionage during the Cold War, Andrew Meier’s “The Lost Spy: An American in Stalin’s Secret Service” reveals the remarkable life of Isiah Oggins, an American entangled in the shadowy dealings of Soviet intelligence. Meier’s meticulous research and captivating storytelling provide readers with a front-row seat to the intricate landscape of international espionage, where loyalty is elusive, and trust is a rare commodity. Oggins’ journey from idealistic American to Soviet operative is both compelling and deeply revealing, shedding light on the moral dilemmas and sacrifices faced by those entangled in the covert web of international intrigue. Beyond Oggins’ personal odyssey, Meier weaves a rich narrative that offers valuable insights into the broader context of American-Soviet relations during a pivotal period in history.
“Utterly fascinating, a sad and sinuous study.”―Richard Schickel, Los Angeles Times
AMAZON
As the pages unfold, readers are not merely presented with a biography but a multifaceted examination of the complexities and ambiguities inherent in the world of intelligence. Meier’s storytelling keeps you hooked from start to finish, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts, espionage aficionados, and anyone intrigued by the human stories that lurk behind the headlines. “The Lost Spy” is an eye-opening journey into a lesser-explored chapter of Cold War history, reminding us that the espionage world is a realm where loyalties blur and the pursuit of truth is often a labyrinthine endeavor. This blog post pays homage to Andrew Meier’s outstanding work in bringing Isiah Oggins’ extraordinary life and the covert machinations of the past to light, making it essential reading for those with a passion for history and the untold stories that shape our world.
My Goodreads Review:
The Lost Spy: An American in Stalin’s Secret Service by Andrew MeierMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
The book is a compelling and haunting exploration of espionage in the heart of the Cold War. Meier’s research reveals the extraordinary life of Isiah Oggins. He is an American who, for reasons both personal and ideological, entered the shadowy world of Soviet espionage. The book navigates the complex landscape of international espionage. It is an insight into the intricate web of alliances and betrayals during a time when trust was a rare commodity. Meier’s work offers a detailed account of Oggins’ life but also delves into the broader context of American-Soviet relations during a pivotal period. This narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and moral dilemmas faced by individuals who dedicated their lives to a covert and perilous cause, shedding light on a lesser-known but critical chapter in Cold War history.
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