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Churchill's Wizards: The British Genius For Deception 1914 1945 (2008)

by Nicholas Rankin(Favorite Author)

3.58 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0571221955 (ISBN13: 9780571221950)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Faber & Faber

review 1: Thoroughly enjoyable and a fascinating insight into propaganda and deception as military and political techniques. This area of ops starts with camouflage and the use of artists to both conceal real weapons and personnel and create the illusion of military strength where none existed or to divert attention. Military prestidigitation! As the area become more accepted, techniques moved into more sophisticated propaganda to demoralise enemy forces and undermine morale among enemy civilians as well. Some of the less savoury episodes included the use of dead bodies to 'accidentally' release military secrets to divert enemy forces away from intended targets and plans. Interesting for those who like military history already, but even if it's less your thing, the accessible st... moreyle makes it great fun to read.
review 2: Endlessly fascinating book that goes well beyond the promise of the title. Just the tale of Juan Pujol's exploits -- one of many in this book -- is worth the price of admission, and even if the subject of this book doesn't appeal to you, I'd urge you to look him up in the Wikipedia. (It's worth noting, though, that Pujol's reasons for leaving his first wife out of his own later recollections are much better justified here than in the Wikipedia article.)The book's postscript is a nice surprise. less

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