KGB

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.

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.

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.