Customer Reviews

KGB: The Inside Story of Its Foreign Operations from Lenin to Gorbachev

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Oleg Gordievsky is the most remarkable and productive Soviet defector of recent times. When Gordievsky made his escape from Moscow in 1985, he departed with a gold mine of information on the KGB's operations, personnel, and organizational structure. Because Gordievsky was involved in researching histories of several different divisions at KGB headquarters, he possessed a unique knowledge of te organization's operations.

I agree with the other reviewers here as this book is not perfect. It was written before the Venona Transcripts or the Mitrokhin Files became known, and, for this reason, is not as complete a work as something like the Sword and the Shield would be. Regardless, it is an extraordinary primary source testament concerning one of the most secretive, nefarious, and befuddling organizations in history. I got the impression that Mr. Andrew wrote this account based on notes he obtained from Mr. Gordievsky. The result is a somewhat lumbering, and often repetitive, narration. A few of the same sentences are repeated at different points in the book which could potentially irritate many a reader. I did like the chapter outline, however, as it was sequenced chronologically which is helpful considering the varying scenarios within the foreign directorate discussed. We're very lucky in the west that men like Gordievsky had the courage to defect because, if they didn't, there would have been little chance of obtaining information about the Soviet Union at all.

When this book came out, it was considered to be groundbreaking and astonishing as far as new information about Soviet operations goes. However, it is almost completely irrelevant. If one takes a close look at the book and compares it with "The Mitrokhin Files" (Mitrokhin being another KGB officer who defected several years later), it will be noted that much of the information Gordievsky SHOULD HAVE KNOWN if he really had access to all top Soviet files is missing. This, along with several other contradictory statements, leads us to conclude that the Soviets knew of Gordievsky's activities and so were using him to feed false and/or irrelevant information to the West.

This is one of the many books about the former Soviet Union and the KGB. It takes a look at the foreign policies and situations the KGB tried to take part in. The book is fascinating and does show the intent of the old Soviet Union to try for domination as close to the United States as possible.

It also shows the many problems with this policy as there were many interesting personalities whom the Kremlin did not care for. Insights on Che Guevara, Fidel Castro and others are quite interesting.

There are many goodies in this book which any history buff can appreciate. It also is a great gift idea for those interested in the Cold War period.

I read this book a few years back and am collecting the rest of the series to read again in order. I admire the old Soviet system even though I disagree with it vehemently. The dedication and loyalty are qualities that are what made this system last as long as it did. The book shows why the system did fail, as keeping those rouge governments in check turned out to be quite expensive.

A relative gave me this book as a Christmas present. I could not put it down. KGB opened a new world for me. I was blown away by what the soviet revolution did to its own people.
Murder on a massive scale. Who killed more Russians, Hitler's Army or Stalin and Lenin?

It has been several years since I read this book, but I still remember the sections detailing how they took over the eastern block countries.

People in Hollywood should read this book.

Chris Shaker

This book tries to be both academic and a good read. Many writers stronger than Gordievsky failed when trying to achieve this.

The authors obviously have a wealth of material at their disposal, but somehow structured approach is lacking. Still, if you have time and/or deep interest in the subject, it is a recommended read.

yep - i give it 5 stars too

the most repeatedly astonishing book i have read methinks - the commies managed to penetrate western security totally only for stalin to totally ignore or misinterpret its meaning due to paranoia about the west

the methods, results & ruthlessnes are grim but rivetting reading

The main problem with this book is the presentation of the materal. It is a confused and jumbled narrative that lacks clear structure and looses the reader in minutia. It's as if the authors had no plan for organizing the material and are just information-dumping for 700 pages. I don't think one would have to look very hard to find a better-written work on the subject.

Not recommended.