Description

Book Synopsis

''Gripping history that also informs the present'' Sunday Times

''Lively and original'' The Spectator

''A spectacular achievement'' Dominic Sandbrook

''Fast-paced, absorbing, insightful'' Simon Hall

''Simply superb'' Kathryn Olmsted

A celebrated British historian of US intelligence explores how the CIA was born in anti-imperialist idealism but swiftly became an instrument of a new covert empire both in America and overseas.

As World War II ended, the United States stood as the dominant power on the world stage. In 1947, to support its new global status, it created the CIA to analyse foreign intelligence. But within a few years, the Agency was engaged in other operations: bolstering pro-American governments, overthrowing nationalist leaders, and surveilling anti-imperial dissenters in the US.

The Cold War was an obvious reason for this transformation - but not the only one.

The CIA

    Product form

    A Hardback by Hugh Wilford

    £21.25

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £25.00 – you save £3.75 (15%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 3 Nov 2026.

    2 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The CIA by Hugh Wilford

      Book details

      Publisher John Murray Press
      Published 1 June 2024
      ISBN-13 9781399816847
      978-1399816847
      ISBN-10 1399816845
      Also in:
      History History of the Americas

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      ''Gripping history that also informs the present'' Sunday Times

      ''Lively and original'' The Spectator

      ''A spectacular achievement'' Dominic Sandbrook

      ''Fast-paced, absorbing, insightful'' Simon Hall

      ''Simply superb'' Kathryn Olmsted

      A celebrated British historian of US intelligence explores how the CIA was born in anti-imperialist idealism but swiftly became an instrument of a new covert empire both in America and overseas.

      As World War II ended, the United States stood as the dominant power on the world stage. In 1947, to support its new global status, it created the CIA to analyse foreign intelligence. But within a few years, the Agency was engaged in other operations: bolstering pro-American governments, overthrowing nationalist leaders, and surveilling anti-imperial dissenters in the US.

      The Cold War was an obvious reason for this transformation - but not the only one.

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account