About the book
From the bestselling author of Lawrence in Arabia—the gripping story of four CIA agents during the early days of the Cold War—and how the United States, at the very pinnacle of its power, managed to permanently damage its moral standing in the world.
“Enthralling … captivating reading.” —The New York Times Book Review
At the end of World War II, the United States was considered the victor over tyranny and a champion of freedom. But it was clear—to some—that the Soviet Union was already seeking to expand and foment revolution around the world, and the American government’s strategy in response relied on the secret efforts of a newly formed CIA. Chronicling the fascinating lives of four agents, Scott Anderson follows the exploits of four spies: Michael Burke, who organized parachute commandos from an Italian villa; Frank Wisner, an ingenious spymaster who directed actions around the world; Peter Sichel, a German Jew who outwitted the ruthless KGB in Berlin; and Edward Lansdale, a mastermind of psychological warfare in the Far East. But despite their lofty ambitions, time and again their efforts went awry, thwarted by a combination of ham-fisted politicking and ideological rigidity at the highest levels of the government.
Editions of The Quiet Americans
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780385540452
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780771009143
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780771009167
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781101911730
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780593295205
- EBook
- ISBN 9780771009150
- EBook
- ISBN 9780385540469
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780593293355
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780593293362
Read an Excerpt
From the bestselling author of Lawrence in Arabia—the gripping story of four CIA agents during the early days of the Cold War—and how the United States, at the very pinnacle of its power, managed to permanently damage its moral standing in the world.
“Enthralling … captivating reading.” —The New York Times Book Review
At the end of World War II, the United States was considered the victor over tyranny and a champion of freedom. But it was clear—to some—that the Soviet Union was already seeking to expand and foment revolution around the world, and the American government’s strategy in response relied on the secret efforts of a newly formed CIA. Chronicling the fascinating lives of four agents, Scott Anderson follows the exploits of four spies: Michael Burke, who organized parachute commandos from an Italian villa; Frank Wisner, an ingenious spymaster who directed actions around the world; Peter Sichel, a German Jew who outwitted the ruthless KGB in Berlin; and Edward Lansdale, a mastermind of psychological warfare in the Far East. But despite their lofty ambitions, time and again their efforts went awry, thwarted by a combination of ham-fisted politicking and ideological rigidity at the highest levels of the government.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Quiet Americans about?
From the bestselling author of Lawrence in Arabia—the gripping story of four CIA agents during the early days of the Cold War—and how the United States, at the very pinnacle of its power, managed to permanently damage its moral standing in the world.
“Enthralling … captivating reading.” —The New York Times Book Review
At the end of World War II, the United States was considered the victor over tyranny and a champion of freedom. But it was clear—to some—that the Soviet Union was already seeking to expand and foment revolution around the world, and the American government’s strategy in response relied on the secret efforts of a newly formed CIA. Chronicling the fascinating lives of four agents, Scott Anderson follows the exploits of four spies: Michael Burke, who organized parachute commandos from an Italian villa; Frank Wisner, an ingenious spymaster who directed actions around the world; Peter Sichel, a German Jew who outwitted the ruthless KGB in Berlin; and Edward Lansdale, a mastermind of psychological warfare in the Far East. But despite their lofty ambitions, time and again their efforts went awry, thwarted by a combination of ham-fisted politicking and ideological rigidity at the highest levels of the government.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Quiet Americans?
History and Archaeology > History > Military history
Where can I read a sample of The Quiet Americans?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780385540452
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Quiet Americans?
Scott Anderson
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Quiet Americans is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780385540452) and hardcover(ISBN 9780771009143) and paperback(ISBN 9780771009167) and paperback(ISBN 9781101911730) and paperback(ISBN 9780593295205) and ebook(ISBN 9780771009150) and ebook(ISBN 9780385540469) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593293355) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593293362)
Where can I buy The Quiet Americans online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Quiet Americans from below
Where can I buy The Quiet Americans?