Snitch!: A History of the Modern Intelligence Informer [Paperback]

Steve Hewitt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2010

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Snitch! is a concise and fluent reminder that, for all the publicity about increasing technical surveillance, informers were not just the first way by which states sought security information but are now re-emphasised as a critical feature of countering terrorism. Through examining famous cases and general aspects of the recruitment and use of informers, Steve Hewitt has provided an excellent survey of their utility for 'authorities' and the personal and social costs entailed." --Peter Gill, University of Liverpool


Fascinating, original and carefully researched, 'Snitch!' is an intelligent and superbly readable book on a subject that could not be more timely. --Richard J. Aldrich, Professor of International Security, University of Warwick

"A UK expert on security and intelligence contributes to the little existing scholarship on informers with a survey that provides social and historical context on those who supply information to government agencies on intelligence matters rather than crime. From case studies of famous informers (e.g., Ronald Reagan), informer states, and the use of informers in the current 'war on terror,' Hewitt concludes that snitching is a state activity to be feared because of the existing lack of limitations and transparency." -Eithne O'Leyne, BOOK NEWS, Inc.

'This important study aims at a 'broad, international and accessible survey' that places informers in the context of their times and places.'

(Contemporary Review )

"Snitch! is a concise and fluent reminder that, for all the publicity about increasing technical surveillance, informers were not just the first way by which states sought security information but are now re-emphasised as a critical feature of countering terrorism. Through examining famous cases and general aspects of the recruitment and use of informers, Steve Hewitt has provided an excellent survey of their utility for 'authorities’ and the personal and social costs entailed." --Peter Gill, University of Liverpool

'This important study aims at a 'broad, international and accessible survey’ that places informers in the context of their times and places.’

(, )

About the Author

Dr Steve Hewitt isan expert on security and intelligence and Senior Lecturer in the Department of American and Canadian Studies at the University of Birmingham. Among the courses he teaches are a history of American intelligence, including the Central Intelligence Agency. Steve Hewitt regularly appears on television and radio commenting on issues of terrorism and security.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (February 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1441190074
• ISBN-13: 978-1441190079
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,738,944 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4.0 out of 5 stars Better than Expected, May 5, 2011

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This review is from: Snitch!: A History of the Modern Intelligence Informer (Paperback)

This is not another compendium of rehashed centuries-old spy, rat and tout tales. It is a well-researched and engagingly written survey of source operations in intelligence and law enforcement. What is even more refreshing is that the book is relevant to 21st Century operations. Rather than relying on training manual definitions and trite examples from the ancient world or 19th Century wars, the author exploits engaging case studies to highlight modern practices. A great, practical addition to the typically hit-and-miss tradition of intrigue books.