Venona: The Greatest Secret of the Cold War

Venona, by Nigel West is an extensive study and layout of translated Soviet codes that subsequently helped to unmask literally hundreds of Soviet spies working in England, Australia, Canada, and America during the cold war. "Venona" (according to Mr. West) was a random code word developed in 1961 to identify the on-going work of counter espionage that enveloped so many nations and individuals within those nations. Although, this is an extensively researched work, I found it somewhat too "academic" in writing style. In addition, the print is small and therefore makes the reading and concentration more difficult and tiresome. I have also read "The Venona Secrets; Exposing Soviet Espionage and America's Traitors by Herbert Romerstein several years ago. In my opinion, Mr. Rosenstein's book was much more "reader-friendly" and seemed to flow unimpeded by stilted writing styles. In addition, perhaps I am somewhat biased regarding Mr. Rosenstein's work because to my recollection, his book dealt mostly with the spies in the United States. However, in all fairness to Mr. West, I did not realize the massive extent that Venona played in other countries besides the United States until I started reading this work. It is plain to see that Venona stripped the Soviet Intelligentsia to a skeletal corpse of what it once was. This is a good reference book, and should be kept in the library of all Cold-War historians, regardless of what side of the world... those libraries are found.

The authors gained access to far more original documents than earlier writers on the subject, and made good use of it. An excellent balance between a minimal discussion of the technical end of Venona,and its factual revelations. Where likely but unproved identifications are involved, the authors appropriately note the limitations.