A classic about real-life WWII espionage; as conducted by its modern master * A Man Called Intrepid is the classic true story of Sir William Stephenson (codenamed Intrepid) and the spy network he founded that would ultimately stall the Nazi war machine and help win World War II. Ian Fleming; bestselling author of the James Bond novels; once remarked; “James Bond is a highly romanticized version of a true spy. The real thing is William Stephenson.†Illustrated with thirty-two pages of black-and-white photographs; this book describes the infamous “Camp X†spy training center in Ontario; Canada; the breaking of the Ultra Code used by Enigma; and countless tales of assassinations; clandestine activities; guerrilla armies; resistance support; and suicide missions. This modern classic; which reads like fiction; was a national bestseller when first published in 1976.
#777323 in Books 2012-05-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.27 x .95 x 6.38l; 1.04 #File Name: 159698791X320 pages
Review
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Audacious! Cautious! Decisive! Steadfast!By Samuel AdamsAll the terms in this review's title are attributed to George Washington in the arduous and daunting task undertaken by the well-described "Father of our Country." Dave Palmer's book on George Washington's military prowess; expertise; and; for sure; genius is much more than a mere rendition and a retelling of the many successful exploits of Washington as commander in chief for the long eight years of our war for independence. There is no doubt in any of the minds of those who have studied our Revolutionary War that General George Washington stands as the outstanding military luminary of our struggle for independence. Palmer's book brings forth in no uncertain terms; well-documented and sourced; why this is the case. Above and beyond the stories of the battles; this book brings forth what is to me concentric circles of laying the groundwork for the struggle so ably led by Washington. If a reader desires truly to understand the politics; demographics; geography; economy; and finances (or lack thereof) surrounding the colonies before and during the war this book is the one to read. The author brings all the myriad of factors together to explain the condition of our country that led to our rebellion; the strengths and weaknesses of the political and military decisions during the war; the contributions especially of France to our success; and spares no discredit when Washington made his errors that were far exceeded by his triumphs. Little was known to me of the native American allies of the English and their second front against us on our frontiers. Extensive quotes from Washington's own correspondence personalizes the man. Two conclusions were left with me as I finished this book on July 4; 2012. Number one; George Washington truly was a military genius. Secondly; all Americans can feel blessed that a person such as Washington was available to lead our military forces in such a fine; distinguished; and professional fashion to win for us the freedom of our great country.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book...By John Paul SassonePalmer wrote an excellent book on Washington and how he adapted to and handled his army; Congress; and our foreign allies during the four phases of the war. He also makes a great point; and goes into detail about how this was not just a war for independence; but one of expansion and how territorial expansion beyond the 13 colonies was important to Washington and others. Easy to read; not bogged down in a lot of detail about specific battles; but a great book on strategy and and how it constantly changes and evolves.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. George Washington as "Great Captain"By Stone DogFormer superintendent of West Point; Dave R. Palmer; has written an excellent work on George Washington as military commander in the appropriately titled George Washington's Military Genius.Really; this is a tonic to all the historians who consistently denigrate Washington as a general. Even though I have read several books about the Revolutionary War and George Washington's leadership of the Continental Army; the author surprised me with little bits of information that really helped me understand Washington. Example: Washington has been consistently berated for his numerous councils of war. Turns out that that holding those councils was in the instructions from Congress when he was first appointed to command. It was definitely an "Aha!" moment for me.The author begins with Washington's acceptance of command of the loose army at Boston and follows the Father of our Country through the war; through the battles and through the campaigns. At each point; Mr. Palmer not only gives a lucid explanation of each battle; but also lays out Washington's leadership and tactical intentions for each battle. Washington's "mistakes" are very much "armchair quarterbacking" by historians and; to be frank; I don't think Washington gets enough credit. He commanded an army of short-term volunteers with subordinate commanders (formerly booksellers; clerks; etc.) that were learning the ropes as they went.That Washington could successfully lead a young nation in war; remain obedient to a Congress that could not help him very much but was always ready and willing to meddle in the war's prosecution; offer battle to an experienced (if not always well-led) opponent and hold it together for as long as he did...he was darn-near a miracle worker!This book is very good at explaining the battlefield realities in the 18th century; the tactics and strategy employed by Washington (the term "strategy" didn't even exist at the time as we understand it) and how Washington was certainly one of the "Great Captains". Well written and enjoyable; I recommend this book with five stars.
