Brainwash: The Secret History of Mind Control [Paperback]

Dominic Streatfeild (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 27, 2008 | ISBN-10: 0312427921 | ISBN-13: 978-0312427924 | Edition: 1st

Behind the front lines of every war in the world, prisoners are forced to sit for interrogation: manipulated, coerced, and sometimes tortured--often without ever being touched. Brainwash is a history of the methods intended to destroy and reconstruct the minds of captives, to extract information, convert dissidents, and lead peaceful men to kill and be killed.

With access to formerly classified documentation and interviews from the CIA, U.S. Army, MI5, MI6, and British Intelligence Corps, Dominic Streatfeild traces the evolution of mind control from its origins in the Cold War to the height of today's war on terror. Vivid and disturbing, Brainwash is essential insight into the modern practice of interrogation and torture.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Breathless . . . reads like a spy thriller."--The Guardian (UK)

 

"Marvelously engrossing. This book is a series of wonderfully detailed and cleverly told stories, each of which debunks the brainwashing myth. Streatfeild's narrative control cannot be faulted. His research is formidable."--The Sunday Times (UK)

 

"An expansive and multifaceted exploration of brainwashing in its multitude of forms."--Booklist

 

Praise for Cocaine:

 

"[Streatfeild] is an excellent storyteller . . . a great read."--The Seattle Times

 

"A breezy history . . . often arresting, sometimes sobering."--The Washington Post

 

"[Streatfeild's] smartly woven narrative winningly expands the narcotic's résumé beyond overdose horror stories."--GQ

 

"A thrilling ride through exotic territory. Streatfeild's animated writing style . . . makes for an exciting read."--Time Out New York

About the Author

DOMINIC STREATFEILD is a writer and documentary filmmaker, and the author of Cocaine, which The Sunday Times described as "a definitive history."

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Picador; 1st edition (May 27, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312427921
• ISBN-13: 978-0312427924
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #280,792 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You don't have to be a conspiracy theorist to enjoy this book, January 13, 2009

By 

FinanceMan76 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Brainwash: The Secret History of Mind Control (Paperback)

This book reads like a novel, but covers real people and events. It is obviously very well researched and isn't the usual B$ you might see on the topic. If you have any interest in the subject of mind-control, interrogation, the use of truth drugs, and so on, I can highly recommend this book.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceeded my expectations, June 1, 2008

By 

kiki (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Brainwash: The Secret History of Mind Control (Hardcover)

I actually checked this book out at the local library for a paper on hypnosis. Needless to say, I was impressed. Extremely well written. Even my friend, who has never picked up a book for fun in his life, picked this book up and ended up asking to borrow it. Get this book. It's not as boring as you may think a book like this may be. Read, the first chapter, and I promise you won't want to put it down.

4.0 out of 5 stars Full, yet empty., February 10, 2012

By 

Dr. Edward Hyde - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Brainwash: The Secret History of Mind Control (Paperback)

There are several great reviews on here that detail the minutiae of this book, but I believe this book is, indeed, excellent as a "one book" primer.

This book covers so much ground in under 330 pages that subjects cannot be given the proper treatment they deserve. I really enjoyed the read as it mostly reads like fiction.

Also, I really loved the book recommendations in the back of the book as it is quite extensive!

Buy this book if you're looking for a general overview or as an advanced primer.