Disciples: The World War II Missions of the CIA Directors Who Fought for Wild Bill Donovan

"Douglas Waller's riveting narrative brings the romance of World War II spying alive, and we see men like Helms, Colby and Casey in their youthful prime, before the grim days of Vietnam, the Church Committee and Iran-contra turned them grey and old."--James Risen, author of Pay Any Price: Greed, Power, and Endless War

"Allen Dulles, Bill Casey, Bill Colby and Richard Helms became symbols of the CIA's worst Cold War failures and scandals. Waller vividly chronicles their accomplishments as young OSS operatives who put their lives at risk during World War II. This is an enthralling story of patriotism, courage, dedication, and at times reckless panache. Given the trajectory of their postwar lives, it is also a tragedy--a true American tragedy."--Andrew Nagorski, author of Hitlerland and the forthcoming The Nazi Hunters

"Meticulously researched . . . Waller's easygoing writing style and extensive use of primary sources make this work worthwhile for those interested in espionage history."--Publishers Weekly

"Waller reintroduces us to the legendary spymasters who fought in World War II. In his gripping book, Waller gives us the little known backstories of the future intelligence chiefs and their cunning use of espionage and sabotage. Decades later, accused of bungled operations, crimes, and abuse of power, they would all go to war again, but this time just across the river in Washington."--James Bamford, author of The Shadow Factory

Douglas Waller knows the world of spies and he knows how to tell a story. The World War II adventures of these future spymasters are fascinating and instructive about the moral ambiguities of espionage and covert action. A gripping read from the pen of a master. --Evan Thomas author of "Being Nixon" and "Ike s Bluff""

Waller reintroduces us to the legendary spymasters who fought in World War II. In his gripping book, Waller gives us the little known backstories of the future intelligence chiefs and their cunning use of espionage and sabotage. Decades later, accused of bungled operations, crimes, and abuse of power, they would all go to war again, but this time just across the river in Washington. --James Bamford, author of The Shadow Factory"

Allen Dulles, Bill Casey, Bill Colby and Richard Helms became symbols of the CIA s worst Cold War failures and scandals. Waller vividly chronicles their accomplishments as young OSS operatives who put their lives at risk during World War II. This is an enthralling story of patriotism, courage, dedication, and at times reckless panache. Given the trajectory of their postwar lives, it is also a tragedy a true American tragedy. --Andrew Nagorski, author of Hitlerland and the forthcoming The Nazi Hunters"

Meticulously researched . . . Waller s easygoing writing style and extensive use of primary sources make this work worthwhile for those interested in espionage history. --Publishers Weekly"

"Douglas Waller knows the world of spies and he knows how to tell a story. The World War II adventures of these future spymasters are fascinating and instructive about the moral ambiguities of espionage and covert action. A gripping read from the pen of a master."--Evan Thomas author of "Being Nixon" and "Ike's Bluff"