The FBI : A Comprehensive Reference Guide [Paperback]

Susan Rosenfeld (Author), Richard Gid Powers (Author), Athan G. Theoharis (Editor), Tony G. Poveda (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2000 | ISBN-10: 0816042284 | ISBN-13: 978-0816042289 | Edition: First edition.

From the Palmer Raids to the McCarthy era, to ABSCAM and Waco, the FBI has been enmeshed in controversy since its creation. It is also deeply woven into the fabric of our national identity and popular culture. The subject of countless movies, books, and television shows, we are fascinated by its mystique and drama. But how did the bureau that began with a modest 34 investigators in 1908 become the powerful force that it is today, employing over 12,000 agents across the country?

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This encyclopedic look at the Federal Bureau of Investigation takes advantage of changes in the Freedom of Information Act to move beyond the typical glamorized or sensational portrayal of this government agency to a scholarly, evenhanded account that places it within a greater historical context. It may be textbook in nature, but the guide still makes for entertaining reading, especially its "Notable Cases" chapter, organized by decade, which covers John Dillinger, the murder of Medgar Evers, Watergate, the World Trade Center bombing, and the Unabomber, among others. Another chapter examines the role of the G-man in popular culture over the last century by looking at the portrayal of agents in comics, movies, TV, and radio.

The writers are a distinguished cast of university professors who have researched the FBI, written extensively about it, or gleaned an insider's knowledge of the organization. Most notable among these is Susan Rosenfeld, who served as the FBI's first official historian from 1984 to 1992. Each chapter, whether covering controversies or traditions within the bureau, portrays the agency's relations to the media, the president, Congress, or other law enforcement agencies, including previously unreleased details regarding the FBI's facilities and organizational structure. The guide also includes numerous surveillance and arrest photos, as well as demographics on bureau employees. It's useful for both those researching the FBI and those who are simply intrigued by the agency's complex role in American history. --Jodi Mailander Farrell

From Library Journal

This readable reference guide to the Federal Bureau of Investigation does not disappoint. The first three chapters explore the history of the bureau, with separate essays addressing its role and powers, notable cases, and controversies. Chapter 8, "The FBI in American Popular Culture," is nearly a book in itself, with its thorough examination of the bureau's image in books, magazines, radio, television, and the movies. On the more practical side, there are chapters on the agency's traditions, organization, relationship to other governmental agencies, and physical facilities. Also included are thumbnail biographies of FBI luminaries, a time line of crucial events in its history, and a substantial annotated bibliography of books and articles. The book is peppered with photographs and factual tables. While not inexpensive, it is visually appealing and packed with information. Highly recommended for all reference collections. [Editor Theoharis is a leading scholar on the FBI and author of a noted J. Edgar Hoover biography, The Boss, LJ 6/1/88.?Ed.]?Patrick Petit, Catholic Univ. Law Lib., Beltsville, M.
-?Patrick Petit, Catholic Univ. Law Lib., Beltsville, MD
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 424 pages
• Publisher: Checkmark Books; First edition. edition (February 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816042284
• ISBN-13: 978-0816042289
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #954,323 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FBI and 20th Century US History, June 4, 2000

By 

B. K. Coyle (Fort Wayne, Indiana USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The FBI : A Comprehensive Reference Guide (Paperback)

This book covers the history and evolution of the FBI from 1908 to the present from an objective point of view. It has been well researched by these four scholars. The essays are well written and organized in ten chapters. Each chapter gives an in depth explanation of the origins of the FBI, its changes through the years, the relationship with other state and federal law enforcement agencies as well as its relationship with the President, Congress and the media. The reader not only learns about the history of the FBI, but also will learn about 20th century U.S. history. The chapters on Notable Cases and the FBI's influence on the American popular culture are very interesting. This book is very useful not only for the those who are interested in learn about the FBI but also for historians, sociologists, criminologists.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book for background information, June 10, 2003

By 

R Cook (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The FBI : A Comprehensive Reference Guide (Paperback)

The FBI Comprehensive Reference Guide is a very good resource for background information on the FBI. I have never seen a better book on the history and workings of the agency. I would recommend it, along with "FBI Careers" (by Thomas Ackerman), to anyone who is seeking FBI employment.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book for FBI overview., August 21, 2002

By 

cynthia allen (Kansas City MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The FBI : A Comprehensive Reference Guide (Paperback)

"The FBI: A comprehensive reference guide" is a great book for information on FBI history and organization. I learned a lot about how the FBI carries out its mission by reading this book. This is a terrific reference.