Creating the Secret  State: The Origins of the Central Intelligence Agency, 1943-1947
World War II forced the United States to recognize the need for more sophisticated intelligence gathering as the war progressed. The energy of William "Wild Bill" Donovan, who oversaw the creation of the Office of Strategic Services during World War II, led ultimately to the creation in 1947 of the Central Intelligence Agency. Rudgers worked as an intelligence analyst with the CIA for 14 years. Here he offers an impressive history of the complex negotiations among the various branches of both the military and the government that took place between 1943 and 1947 as it became increasingly apparent that the United States would need an agency that could operate quietly yet effectively in ferreting out the world's espionage secrets beyond what the FBI or the military could do. Previous histories have often focused on the vivid character of Donovan. This outstanding piece of scholarship, based on solid, primary research, takes a broader approach. It should be considered essential reading for anyone interested in gaining an understanding of the political, historical, and theoretical background to the establishment of the CIA. Highly recommended.DEdward Goedeken, Iowa State Univ. Lib., AmesCopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.