The most celebrated member of the US intelligence apparatus, the Central Intelligence Agency remains shrouded in mystery. In an attempt to elucidate its role, former Marine and erstwhile journalism professor turned freelance writer Smith contributes to its mystique. As topical as today's headlines, this book, the only single‐volume encyclopedia focused specifically on the CIA, provides a good overview of the agency, which has come under considerable scrutiny recently in the aftermath of the Bush Administration's recent actions against Iraq. It could not be timelier.
In the tradition of Polmar and Allan (1997) Smith's wide‐ranging treatment of his subject – over 500 entries in 250 pages, current as of March 2003 – provides a motley and interesting assortment of topics related to US intelligence efforts. Coverage ranges from historical events (the U‐2 incident, the VENONA project) and profiles of particular individuals (George Tenet, Rudolf Abel) to arcane in‐house terminology (blow back, wet work). Entries vary in length from a paragraph to several pages, biographical profiles commanding particular attention. Adroitly and succinctly written, they reveal the author's attempts to remain objective and balanced, although his admiration for the Agency and its work is scarcely disguised and frequently comes through. He is clearly not dispassionate about his subject.
Smith's high regard for the CIA notwithstanding, controversial issues are not eschewed. The Agency's complicity in the Bay of Pigs fiasco, for example, is not gainsaid. Critical commentary, however, is often ascribed to anonymous “insiders” or observers. Such absence of attribution is understandable, but unfortunate, leading the reader to wonder about the source. At the same time, the author lavishes praise on what he deems to be notable accomplishments such as the “stellar intelligence” produced during the 1990‐1991 Persian Gulf War. On balance, the Agency emerges with its overall image intact with only a few blemishes marring its reputation.
Engagingly written, the book is eminently readable and informative, not to mention fun to browse. It should draw the casual reader and researcher alike as a useful and convenient source of background information. As befitting a good reference title, little known facts will delight the curious. How many are aware that culinary master Julia Child was a wartime employee of the Office of Strategic Services, the CIA's precursor? Or that the National Security Agency is reputedly “the largest employer of mathematicians in the United States and perhaps the world”? Such interesting tidbits are sprinkled generously throughout.
A perfunctory introduction, which, regrettably, does not explain the editorial selection criteria, sets the stage for the book. The alphabetically arranged entries, which occupy the bulk of the volume, are rounded out by several appendices: a list of acronyms, abbreviations, and code names; an organizational chart; frequently asked questions about the agency; lists of directors and deputy directors; a nine‐page bibliography; and index. Taken as whole, the package works as a self‐contained integral ready reference text. A notable and lamentable omission is the absence of references after individual entries. More photographs and illustrations would have enhanced the work's appeal. Despite these shortcomings, the book belongs in all libraries with strong current affairs collections. Academic libraries should find it a serviceable choice in the absence of more scholarly encyclopedic treatment of this interesting and important topic.
