Deep Black: Space Espionage and National Security [Paperback]

William E. Burrows (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1988

They are on the cutting edge of technology--the top-secret, billion-dollar instruments of super-power espionage. They are spy satellites--the means by which the super-pwers keep tabs on each other in the deep black of space. "Excellent . . . Highly recommended!"--Booklist. HC: Villard.

Product Details

• Paperback: 431 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Books (December 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425108791
• ISBN-13: 978-0425108796
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #357,750 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Viewing 'Missing' History through the Keyhole, March 25, 2006

By 

J. Page "tdrss" (Southwest USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Deep Black: Space Espionage and National Security (Paperback)

There are very few books that define a genre - Mr. William Burrow's, "Deep Black" is one of those amazing 'trend setting' books that will always remain a classic. Being one of the earliest books that mention surveillance and reconnaissance satellites, "Deep Black" scared the pants off of most involved in the black world of space. Many books have followed in the two decades since Deep Black - even so, this is worth a place on your bookshelf.

The book is very outdated (publication date: 1986), however, it has tremendous use as a history book of the technological and political systems at play during the 1950s to the mid-1980s. These tales form the basis of most introductory chapters of the slew of Discoverer/CORONA books that hit the shelves in the 1990s. Mr. Burrows has done a great job piercing through the veil of secrecy surrounding these systems. There may be various errors in fact from certain satellite systems or flights, but due to the heavy secrecy *STILL* surrounding those systems, he's done exceptional work.

**Certified Space Professional Specific**: if you are a CSP, GET THIS BOOK. You might be working on the replacements for most of these systems, and a good foundation into the history of these satellites and the politics surrounding their inception will help you get an edge over your 'less-motivated' peers.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Reconnaissance Review (Paperback Edition), May 11, 2004

By 

the_review_guy (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deep Black: Space Espionage and National Security (Paperback)

Simply the definitive book on US intelligence-gathering from air-vehicles, space-borne platforms and sub-surface systems. Burroughs work is thorough and informative. Though now dated by more than a decade's worth of technological improvements, the basics of intelligence and counter-intelligence systems are well-covered here. The sections on aircraft (RC-135, U-2, TR-1, A-12, SR-71) and satellites are simply fascinating.

GREAT photo section in the middle of the book, with pictures of the Russians' Black Com 2 nuclear-powered aircraft carrier under construction (KH-11 pic), a nice pic of an SR-71 in flight, an F-15 launching an ASAT weapon (30,000mph terminal speed!) and much more.

It's a shame this book is out-of-print. It would be nice to see a limited production run, perhaps a new edition. Mr. Burroughs, how about "Deep Black 2, The Next Generation"?

I have been fortunate enough to collect several hardcover editions of this book, including "like new" copies. I prefer the larger hardcover, but I miss my paperback copy which has disappeared. These are becoming collector's items, so if you find a decent copy at a good price, grab it!!! (I have several copies in my collection!!!)

This book, like most others, can be found in both the paperback and hardcover edition. I had the paperback first, but now prefer the hardcover edition. It does seem like the paperback is harder to find though.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overview of the history of airborne surveillance., July 27, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Deep Black: Space Espionage and National Security (Paperback)

This book gives an in-depth look at air borne surveillance starting with the planes and cameras of WW II and ends with the techno-marvels that are flying today. It should appeal not only to the high-tech crowd, but also to students of recent history, for it describes how the knowledge collected by planes and satellites influenced the course of political events. Deep Black is a wonderful blend of technology and history and is very well written