Laughter in the Shadows

A CIA Memoir

Nonfiction, History, Military, Other
Cover of the book Laughter in the Shadows by Stuart  E. Methven, Naval Institute Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Stuart E. Methven ISBN: 9781612515762
Publisher: Naval Institute Press Publication: February 15, 2014
Imprint: Naval Institute Press Language: English
Author: Stuart E. Methven
ISBN: 9781612515762
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
Publication: February 15, 2014
Imprint: Naval Institute Press
Language: English
This memoir of a CIA operations officer captures the spirit of the early years of the Agency, a period sometimes described as its 'finest hours.' Using the alias 'St. Martin,' Stuart Methven served in the CIA from the 1950s through the 1970s. The book opens by describing the author's training in the clandestine arts and subsequent assignment to Asia in a country he calls 'Bushido.' There he is involved in numerous operations, including one that takes him under the ocean, and earns his case officer's 'brevet.' A nation-building program in 'Cham' follows, which begins well enough and includes his gaining a tribal leader's confidence by parachuting badly needed supplies to his mountain village. It ends abruptly, however, with a coup d'etat and civil war that forces Methven's evacuation, the first of several during his career.

His next assignment is in South Vietnam working to counter another budding insurgency. Methven spends four years in the mountain and delta provinces of Vietnam before being given a sabbatical for graduate work in international studies back in the states. After completing his studies, he returns to Southeast Asia as a deputy station chief with a focus on a large Soviet mission in Samudra and the recruitment of Soviet military officers. Promoted to station chief, his final assignment is in central Africa, where his station becomes center stage for a large covert operation that eventually involves the Soviets and Cubans. Glimpses of the CIA from the inside are rare, and Methven's recollections of his experiences during a formative period in the Agency's history will be of particular value to those with an interest in the CIA and international affairs and in spy stories.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
This memoir of a CIA operations officer captures the spirit of the early years of the Agency, a period sometimes described as its 'finest hours.' Using the alias 'St. Martin,' Stuart Methven served in the CIA from the 1950s through the 1970s. The book opens by describing the author's training in the clandestine arts and subsequent assignment to Asia in a country he calls 'Bushido.' There he is involved in numerous operations, including one that takes him under the ocean, and earns his case officer's 'brevet.' A nation-building program in 'Cham' follows, which begins well enough and includes his gaining a tribal leader's confidence by parachuting badly needed supplies to his mountain village. It ends abruptly, however, with a coup d'etat and civil war that forces Methven's evacuation, the first of several during his career.

His next assignment is in South Vietnam working to counter another budding insurgency. Methven spends four years in the mountain and delta provinces of Vietnam before being given a sabbatical for graduate work in international studies back in the states. After completing his studies, he returns to Southeast Asia as a deputy station chief with a focus on a large Soviet mission in Samudra and the recruitment of Soviet military officers. Promoted to station chief, his final assignment is in central Africa, where his station becomes center stage for a large covert operation that eventually involves the Soviets and Cubans. Glimpses of the CIA from the inside are rare, and Methven's recollections of his experiences during a formative period in the Agency's history will be of particular value to those with an interest in the CIA and international affairs and in spy stories.

More books from Naval Institute Press

Cover of the book The Sailing Frigate by Stuart  E. Methven
Cover of the book The Blitzkrieg Legend by Stuart  E. Methven
Cover of the book To the Walls of Derne by Stuart  E. Methven
Cover of the book Manila And Santiago by Stuart  E. Methven
Cover of the book Hunter-Killer by Stuart  E. Methven
Cover of the book Iwo by Stuart  E. Methven
Cover of the book "No One Avoided Danger" by Stuart  E. Methven
Cover of the book India's Wars by Stuart  E. Methven
Cover of the book Allied Master Strategists by Stuart  E. Methven
Cover of the book Battleship Bismarck by Stuart  E. Methven
Cover of the book The Divine Wind by Stuart  E. Methven
Cover of the book Erich Raeder by Stuart  E. Methven
Cover of the book Hellcat by Stuart  E. Methven
Cover of the book Syren's Song by Stuart  E. Methven
Cover of the book Captured by Stuart  E. Methven
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy