Review of "Hitler's Spies : German Military Intelligence In World War II" on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
A very good look at the German side of the intelligence picture. Goes in depth on the varied organizations, their structures and contributions to the intelligence picture. Kahn does not cover counterintelligence or other intelligence services, but this is stated early on so it's not an oversight. My only complaint is with the last chapter. Kahn breaks down his view of why the German intelligence apparatus failed and draws on the psychology of the Prussian character and the difference between charismatic dictatorships and more bureaucratic liberal democracies among other things. It's speculative and counterproductive, the previous 500 pages make the case perfectly clear, his editorializing is unnecessary. Still, the rest of the book more than compensates for the last chapter.
A very good look at the German side of the intelligence picture. Goes in depth on the varied organizations, their structures and contributions to the intelligence picture. Kahn does not cover counterintelligence or other intelligence services, but this is stated early on so it's not an oversight. My only complaint is with the last chapter. Kahn breaks down his view of why the German intelligence apparatus failed and draws on the psychology of the Prussian character and the difference between charismatic dictatorships and more bureaucratic liberal democracies among other things. It's speculative and counterproductive, the previous 500 pages make the case perfectly clear, his editorializing is unnecessary. Still, the rest of the book more than compensates for the last chapter.