Publisher, Blackstone Audio (December 1998)

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“Fascinating…a careful and well-written study.” —San Francisco Chronicle

“A revealing glimpse of an American institution in transition.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A riveting narrative for public and academic libraries alike.” —Library Journal

“When this book was published, it was partly responsible for the downfall of the FBI director. It discusses bureau operations, both legal and illegal; provides sketches of important personnel; and analyzes the myth of invincibility that permeates the organization. Jeff Riggenbach relates these in a clear, steady tone, allowing the listener to keep track of the sometimes serpentine subplots.” —AudioFile

No institution in American society generates as much curiosity, fear, and intrigue as the FBI. No institution can obtain so much information and penetrate so deeply into our private lives. And no institution plays a greater role in safeguarding our freedom—or potentially threatening it.

In this groundbreaking book, award-winning journalist Ronald Kessler provides a firsthand look at the people who run the Bureau, the methods they use, the powers they wield, and the secrets they hold. Learn how the FBI solved some of the most highly publicized cases in history, including Watergate, the Pan Am 103 bombing, the Patty Hearst kidnapping, and the World Trade Center bombing. Learn also how and why the FBI fumbled such important cases as the David Koresh cult tragedy in Waco and the Rodney King beatings. This revealing book will change the way America perceives the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

About the Author: Ronald Kessler is the bestselling author of The FBI, Inside the CIA, Moscow Station, Escape from the CIA, Spy vs. Spy, The Spy in the Russian Club, and The Richest Man in the World. He is an award winning former correspondent for the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post, and his articles appear in leading periodicals. Mr. Kessler lives in Potomac, Maryland.