KGB: Masters of the Soviet Union

by Peter Deriabin and T. H. Bagley

Book Overview

Traces the history of the KGB, argues that it secretly controls the Soviet Union, and describes how it has insinuated itself into all aspects of the nation's life.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0870528041
• ISBN13: 9780870528040
• Release Date: January 1990
• Publisher: Hippocrene Books
• Length: 466 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Amazingly thorough

Simply put, a fantastic piece of analysis. Given this book by a friend, I expected a relatively vague and basic description of the KGB's operations, but was pleasantly surprised. Amazingly thorough, covering all aspects of the KGB's domestic and foreign activities. Includes a well-balanced mix of straight analysis and explanatory anecdotes. Might be a bit too heavy reading for those not seriously interested in the topic. The extent of the KGB's reach willdispel any illusions that the USSR was simply the typical authoritarian state. Should be noted that the book was actually co-authored by Bagley alongside a former Soviet intelligence officer, a general, who defected in the 1950s.

A MUST for understanding the phenomenon of the USSR

This book provides a detailed insight into how Soviet leaders used their internal intelligence agency as an instrument of ultimate oppression. Lots of well-documented detail. The present tense only gets in the way for a bit (remember it was published while this was still going on -- before the fall of the USSR) and does not alter the facts as they were under the Soviet system. There is no other book which gives one quite the depth and insight this one does. Definitely a MUST for anyone interested in how things really worked in the USSR. Its a lesson to all of us. You want this book.

Unique insight into what was an unequalled repressive syste

The book reveals the unique qualifications and inside knowledge of the two authors. There is no better description of the systematic repression of a modern population. Its appearance just before the fall of the Soviet Union invalidated its present tense, nevertheless, for anyone interested in how Soviet power survived for 70 years, this is the definitive work. A must for students of this subject.