Deep Black: Space Espionage and National Security

by William E. Burrows and William E. Burroughs

Book Overview

They are on the cutting edge of technology--the top-secret, billion-dollar instruments of super-power espionage. They are spy satellites--the means by which the super-pwers keep tabs on each other in... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0394541243
• ISBN13: 9780394541242
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Random House (NY)
• Length: 401 Pages
• Weight: 1.76 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Nearly Perfect

A nearly perfect accounting of the development and growth of our advanced intelligence gathering capabilities after the 2nd world war, so accurate it could certainly pass for history. The only thing missing is the follow up to bridge the gap between it's end and our present day "toys".

Viewing 'Missing' History through the Keyhole

There are very few books that define a genre - Mr. William Burrow's, "Deep Black" is one of those amazing 'trend setting' books that will always remain a classic. Being one of the earliest books that mention surveillance and reconnaissance satellites, "Deep Black" scared the pants off of most involved in the black world of space. Many books have followed in the two decades since Deep Black - even so, this is worth a place on your bookshelf. The book is very outdated (publication date: 1986), however, it has tremendous use as a history book of the technological and political systems at play during the 1950s to the mid-1980s. These tales form the basis of most introductory chapters of the slew of Discoverer/CORONA books that hit the shelves in the 1990s. Mr. Burrows has done a great job piercing through the veil of secrecy surrounding these systems. There may be various errors in fact from certain satellite systems or flights, but due to the heavy secrecy *STILL* surrounding those systems, he's done exceptional work. **Certified Space Professional Specific**: if you are a CSP, GET THIS BOOK. You might be working on the replacements for most of these systems, and a good foundation into the history of these satellites and the politics surrounding their inception will help you get an edge over your 'less-motivated' peers.

Superb Reconnaissance Review (Paperback Edition)

Simply the definitive book on US intelligence-gathering from air-vehicles, space-borne platforms and sub-surface systems. Burroughs work is thorough and informative. Though now dated by more than a decade's worth of technological improvements, the basics of intelligence and counter-intelligence systems are well-covered here. The sections on aircraft (RC-135, U-2, TR-1, A-12, SR-71) and satellites are simply fascinating.GREAT photo section in the middle of the book, with pictures of the Russians' Black Com 2 nuclear-powered aircraft carrier under construction (KH-11 pic), a nice pic of an SR-71 in flight, an F-15 launching an ASAT weapon (30,000mph terminal speed!) and much more.It's a shame this book is out-of-print. It would be nice to see a limited production run, perhaps a new edition. Mr. Burroughs, how about "Deep Black 2, The Next Generation"? I have been fortunate enough to collect several hardcover editions of this book, including "like new" copies. I prefer the larger hardcover, but I miss my paperback copy which has disappeared. These are becoming collector's items, so if you find a decent copy at a good price, grab it!!! (I have several copies in my collection!!!)This book, like most others, can be found in both the paperback and hardcover edition. I had the paperback first, but now prefer the hardcover edition. It does seem like the paperback is harder to find though.

Best book on Cold War spy satellites in space

This is still the only really great book on overhead reconnaissance, and I have been surprised and disappointed to see it overlooked by the mainstream intelligence academics. Contains useful early history on why we got into technical collection (our human spies kept getting killed on arrival as we took the easy route of recruiting from émigré organizations already penetrated by the KGB and GRU). Ends with a passing reference to commercial imagery, a topic that merits its own book.

Entertaining and informative

Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. Being a fan of the fiction of Tom Clancy it's awesome to read about the reality of spies and their technology. What I thought was going to be a dull history lesson turned out to be a very well written and detailed account of some fascinating programs. It's really given me a new perspective on the world. I would recommend Deep Black to anyone who is interested in spy technology.