Surprise, Kill, Vanish

The Secret History of CIA Paramilitary Armies, Operators, and Assassins

Annie Jacobsen

The book delves into the clandestine operations of the CIA, revealing the agency's use of paramilitary forces and covert actions throughout its history. It provides detailed accounts of the tactics and missions of operatives, as well as the political and ethical implications of their secret warfare.

See full summary

Operation Paperclip

The Secret Intelligence Program that Brought Nazi Scientists to America

Annie Jacobsen

The book details the U.S. government's covert program to recruit and employ German scientists, including former Nazis, after World War II for their expertise in rocketry, chemical weapons, and medical technology. It explores the moral compromises and strategic benefits of this initiative, as well as the impact these scientists had on American science and military programs during the Cold War.

See full summary

Area 51

An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base

Annie Jacobsen

The book delves into the history of the highly secretive military installation known as Area 51, revealing details about the development of spy planes, such as the U-2 and the A-12, and discussing the government's classified projects. It also explores conspiracy theories and interviews with individuals who worked at the base, shedding light on the covert operations and experiments that have contributed to the site's mystique.

See full summary

The Pentagon's Brain

An Uncensored History of DARPA, America's Top-Secret Military Research Agency

Annie Jacobsen

The book delves into the history and activities of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), exploring its role in developing cutting-edge technologies for the U.S. military. It uncovers the agency's most secretive projects, from the early days of the Cold War to contemporary times, revealing the impact of DARPA's innovations on warfare and surveillance.

See full summary