Encyclopedia of Intelligence and Counterintelligence [Hardcover]

Rodney P. Carlisle (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Here is a look at how intelligence and counterintelligence activities have helped shape world events, primarily in a historical context but also in contemporary times.

In a straightforward alphabetical arrangement, the encyclopedia presents more than 420 entries on people, places, and organizations. All the standard stuff is here, including information on the various types of intelligence gathering--HUMINT, SIGINT, MASINT. Readers will also learn about methods and tools for gathering intelligence, from early historical codes to satellite collection methods. Of most interest are the entries for selected U.S. presidents and the intelligence issues of their administrations. Country entries discuss the development, strength, and power of intelligence organizations in countries from Afghanistan to Zaire. These are all useful introductory articles to get a researcher started. The more than 420 entries range in length from a half column in a two-column page to several pages. Articles are signed by their contributors and include see also references and a bibliography of resources. Because there are multiple contributors, the writing style varies, and in some cases, such as Canada, an awkward style creates ambiguities.

Prior to the entries is an alphabetical list of articles. A classified list would also have been useful. Also preceding the A-Z portion of the volume is a "Timeline of Intelligence" from 1294 B.C.E. to the present. Readers not familiar with events may be puzzled by some of the references here. For example, the term "Family Jewels" is used in the entry for 1973-1975, but there is no entry for Family Jewels in the index that would point to additional information. Following the A-Z section is a "Resource Guide" listing books, articles, and Internet sites and an appendix with extracts from The 9/11 Commission Report.

This is an introductory work. Polishing in the next edition will help clear up some of the ambiguities in this edition. Of use in public libraries where this topic is of interest and in those academic institutions where course work on intelligence security and policy is taught. Terri Tomchyshyn
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Hardcover: 2 pages
• Publisher: M E Sharpe Reference (July 31, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765680688
• ISBN-13: 978-0765680686
• Product Dimensions: 14.5 x 9.4 x 2.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.5 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,895,318 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)