"James G. McCargar, 86, an author, diplomat and spy whose 1963 book on the craft of covert operations continues to be recommended by the U.S. intelligence community, died" on 30 May 2007. Patricia Sullivan, "James G. McCargar -- Author, Spy," Washington Post, 13 Jun. 2007, B6.
Felix, Christopher [James McCarger]. A Short Course in the Secret War. New York: Dutton,
1963. The Spy and His Masters: A Short Course in the Secret War.
London: Secker & Warburg, 1963. 2d ed. New York: Dell, 1988. Lanham,
MD: Madison via University Press of America, 1992.
According to an advertisement for the 1992 edition of this book, the author is an "erstwhile career diplomat, former intelligence officer and political agent." The Madison edition contains a new introduction "that summarizes the world situation at the close of the Cold War."
Pforzheimer notes that the book covers "various aspects of covert action, clandestine collection, and intelligence tradecraft. The first half ... is recommended."
To Constantinides, Short Course is an "outstanding book on intelligence tradecraft and practice.... The second part [of the book] recounts the author's experiences in Hungary in 1946-1947. His description of Communist security, takeover, and other techniques is especially important."
Licklider, Intelligencer 7.1, says that one reason for this book's "longevity is that it explains the basic concepts of intelligence better than any other. Clear distinctions between intelligence and espionage, knowing and secret knowing, and counterintelligence and security" make it possible "to better understand the way intelligence works in any environment."
For MacFarland, CIRA Newsletter 26.1, Short Course "may be the best of a small number of treatises that discuss the process and philosophy of the intelligence business.... Felix's writing is concise, witty and engaging, and the book is filled with entertaining anecdotes."
[WhatIsIntel?]
Felix,
Christopher [James McCarger]. "The 'Modern Spy' Extends His Arena."
New York Times Magazine (8 Jun. 1953): 24 ff. [Petersen]
[GenPostwar/50s/Gen]
Felix, Christopher
[James McCarger]. "The Unknowable CIA: Analysis of Walter Lippmann's
Articles in the Washington Post." Reporter, 6 Apr. 1967, 20-24.
[CIA/60s/Gen]
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