FBI 100 Years: An Unofficial History (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: deep throat, United States, Edgar Hoover, Library of Congress (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

In anticipation of the FBI's centennial this summer, prolific author and law enforcement veteran Holden (To Be an FBI Special Agent) has produced a work for general readers on the ever interesting and controversial history of this primary investigative agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. The book may be defined as an unofficial history, but Holden was granted access to current agents and to the FBI's photo archive to produce a work profusely illustrated with about 300 photographs of equipment, FBI activities, and agents and criminals in action, all of which will fascinate. Chapters cover the early years when Teddy Roosevelt was President, J. Edgar Hoover's long tenure as director, his role in blacklistings and McCarthyism, the pursuit of organized crime, spies, the use of domestic surveillance, and standoffs gone bad. Some of the popular touches include movie posters and comic strips. The book includes all of the FBI's "10 Most Wanted Fugitives" lists and ends with a list of the 51 special agents who died in service, a brief chronology, and definitions of acronyms and abbreviations. Those looking for more critical discussion of the bureau may want to examine Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones's The FBI: A History, but this book will have appeal in both public libraries and specialized collections.-- Daniel K. Blewett, Coll. of DuPage Lib., Glen Ellyn, IL -- Library Journal

Review

Library Journal, June 1, 2008 "In anticipation of the FBI's centennial this summer, prolific author and law enforcement veteran Holden (To Be an FBI Special Agent) has produced a work for general readers on the ever interesting and controversial history of this primary investigative agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. The book may be defined as an unofficial history, but Holden was granted access to current agents and to the FBI's photo archive to produce a work profusely illustrated with about 300 photographs of equipment, FBI activities, and agents and criminals in action, all of which will fascinate. Chapters cover the early years when Teddy Roosevelt was President, J. Edgar Hoover's long tenure as director, his role in blacklistings and McCarthyism, the pursuit of organized crime, spies, the use of domestic surveillance, and standoffs gone bad. Some of the popular touches include movie posters and comic strips. The book includes all of the FBI's '10 Most Wanted Fugitives' lists and ends with a list of the 51 special agents who died in service, a brief chronology, and definitions of acronyms and abbreviations. Those looking for more critical discussion of the bureau may want to examine Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones' The FBI: A History, but this book will have appeal in both public libraries and specialized collections."

Officer.com, June 2008 "The Federal Bureau of Investigation is considered by many to be the premier law enforcement agency in our country today. Where did it come from? Why was it established? What does it do? Who provides it authority to do so? When I was first approached to review what I saw as essentially a history book, I wasn't too enthused. I mean, that's not my idea of recreational reading. But I kept an open mind and I'm glad I did. This book proved interesting in many ways for anyone who serves (or has served) in law enforcement...if you are interested in law enforcement either through your employment or for another purpose, this book may well provide you some insights you'd not otherwise find."

Midwest Book Review, April 2008 "FBI 100 Years offers an up-close look at the best and worst moments in the history of one of the world's most famous law enforcement agencies. Although it is largely a positive picture Holden presents of the agency, he doesn't duck controversial issues such as surveillance methods. Not only are Hoover's notorious filed addressed but also the rumors about the director's supposedly X-rated private life. Featuring 300 color and black and white photos, FBI 100 Years is a pictorial treasure-trove of images that will delight anyone interested in American law enforcement. Undoubtedly books more critical of the agency will be released this year, since this is an important FBI anniversary. But for a well illustrated and comprehensive overview of the organization, you won't find a better value than FBI 100 Years."

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 252 pages
• Publisher: Zenith Press; 1st edition (April 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760332444
• ISBN-13: 978-0760332443
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 10.7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #133,235 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The FBI First 100 Years, April 29, 2009

By	John T. Finnegan "tigervoice" (Springfield, Ohio) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Aside from the cost of the book to me (a fraction of the list price in several bookstores) it brought back many memories--some good and some not so. Excellent & balanced presentation.