This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Mission

   The CIA in the 21st Century

   

   The Mission traces the CIA’s evolution from post–Cold War decline through the shock of 9/11 and the agency’s shift toward paramilitary operations, detention, and drone strikes. It describes the consequences of that shift—operational losses, cyber and counterintelligence setbacks—and the subsequent effort to rebuild traditional espionage capabilities to confront rivals such as Russia, China, and Iran while operating under intense political pressure.

   The 12895th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Legacy of Ashes

   The History of the CIA

   

   This book is a comprehensive history of the Central Intelligence Agency from its inception in 1947 to 2007. It provides an in-depth look at the agency's triumphs and failures, revealing a pattern of poor intelligence analysis, covert operations gone awry, and bureaucratic mismanagement. The author utilizes more than 50,000 documents, primarily from the archives of the CIA itself, and hundreds of interviews with CIA veterans, including ten Directors of Central Intelligence. It's a critical examination of the CIA, questioning its effectiveness and its role in both the Cold War and the War on Terror.

   The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Enemies

   A History of the FBI

   

   The book provides a comprehensive history of the FBI, detailing its evolution from its inception to its role in contemporary America. It explores the agency's internal dynamics, its struggles with political influence, and its efforts to balance national security with civil liberties. Through meticulous research, the narrative delves into the FBI's controversial practices, its battles against espionage and terrorism, and its complex relationships with various U.S. presidents. The book offers an insightful analysis of how the FBI has shaped and been shaped by the political and social landscapes of the United States.

4. 4. The Folly And The Glory

   America, Russia, and Political Warfare 1945–2020

   

   This compelling narrative delves into the clandestine and often perilous world of espionage during the Cold War, unraveling the intricate dance of deception and strategy between the United States and the Soviet Union. Through a meticulous examination of declassified documents and firsthand accounts, the book reveals the audacious operations, missteps, and the relentless pursuit of power that defined this era of geopolitical tension. It paints a vivid picture of the intelligence community's triumphs and failures, highlighting the profound impact these covert actions had on shaping modern history.

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5. 5. One Man Against The World

   The Tragedy of Richard Nixon

   

   This gripping narrative delves into the tumultuous presidency of Richard Nixon, unraveling the complex web of deceit, ambition, and paranoia that characterized his time in office. Through meticulous research and a wealth of newly declassified documents, the book paints a vivid picture of a leader whose relentless pursuit of power led to unprecedented abuses and ultimately his downfall. It explores the intricate dynamics of Nixon's foreign and domestic policies, his fraught relationships with key figures, and the scandalous events that culminated in the Watergate crisis, offering a compelling insight into one of the most controversial periods in American political history.

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6. 6. Een Spoor Van Vernieling

   

   A sweeping, well-documented history of the U.S. intelligence agency from its Cold War origins through the post‑9/11 era that argues secrecy, mismanagement and political interference created a persistent pattern of failures and abuses. Based on declassified files and interviews, it traces botched covert operations (Iran 1953, Guatemala 1954, the Bay of Pigs), recurring analytic errors and misplaced faith in covert action, showing how flawed intelligence shaped disastrous foreign-policy decisions. The book portrays an institution that repeatedly promised security while often producing crises, arguing that chronic dysfunction and lack of accountability exacted heavy strategic and human costs.

7. 7. Blank Check

   The Pentagon's Black Budget

   

   An investigative account of the growth and consequences of America’s secret defense spending, tracing how classified appropriations and covert programs have expanded since World War II into a vast, poorly overseen “black budget” that sustains weapons development, intelligence operations, and private contractors; the book shows how secrecy, institutional incentives, and congressional acquiescence produce waste, corruption, and unchecked power while skewing national priorities and eroding democratic accountability.

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