One of the most celebrated and highly decorated heroes of World War I, a noted trial lawyer, presidential adviser and emissary, and chief of America’s Office of Strategic Services during World War II, William J. Donovan was a legendary figure. Donovan, originally published in 1982, penetrates the cloak of secrecy surrounding this remarkable man.
During the dark days of World War II, “Wild … World War II, “Wild Bill” Donovan, more than any other person, was responsible for what William Stevenson, author of A Man Called Intrepid, described as “the astonishing success with which the United States entered secret warfare and accomplished in less than four years what it took England many centuries to develop.”
Drawing upon Donovan’s diaries, letters, and other papers; interviews with hundreds of the men and women who worked with him and spied for him; and declassified and unpublished documents, author Richard Dunlop, himself a former member of Donovan’s OSS, traces the incredible career of the man who almost single-handedly created America’s central intelligence service. The result is the definitive biography that Donovan himself had always expected Dunlop would write.
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Boy was this character a handful. Despite Harry Truman’s flawed prejudices the Central Intelligence Agency honors this man. I would love to pay tribute to him somehow but I am far too old and frail. This read brings the man alive and kicking!
Just e great read.
Very informative biography of Donovan and review of important US historical events, particularly during WWI and WW2. Also incorporated perspectives about FDR, J Edgar Hoover and many other personalities of the era.
Biography of an amazing individual!
It was great to learn how much this one person did for our country, so much of which was unappreciated and I acknowledged. Bill Donavon was a great American.
After reading this great book I have to wonder if Wild Bill hadn’t been around during WWII if we would have been able to defeat the Axis.
Everything you wanted to know about this great partriot and the development of US Intelligence in WWII and the precursor of CIA.
Fascinating account of the life of a remarkable man who played an important part in the U.S. involvement in World Wars I and II and beyond.
Great read
Great history
Excellent book on WWII history, learned new information I was unaware of.
Bill Donavon was one of America’s greatest assets during WWII. He was truly a mover and a shaker, he made things happen. Thank goodness he is finally being recognized for his many talents.
Wonderful, in-depth story of a man who was so important to the creation of America’s information network during WWII.
Exceptional story told in detail and in an engaging manner.
Knew of the OSS stuff, NOTHING About WWI, or his interaction with so many prominent characters.
I am a retired Naval Intelligence Officer, albeit after Wild Bill Donovan had died. That said, listening to the WWII stories from my uncle and father in law and what I knew as an insider, the biography was extremely well written. I had a difficult time putting the book down, at the end of each reading session. The book expanded on much of what I had already known, and I was impressed by the original research done by the author. This book should also be used as a management book as it shows that the politics in government and big business haven’t really changed.
Bill Donovan was a larger than life character and the author does a thorough job presenting him. The book sometimes drags through detail but overall is a good read.
Good summary of the role Donovan played in creating US intel apparatus. Uses sources not used in previous works