The Devil’s Chessboard

Americans like to think of themselves as lovers of democracy, human rights and fair play, an attribute that somehow makes us morally superior to others. This book puts the lie to that self-image. Subtitled “Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America’s Secret Government,” The Devil’s Chessboard is a deeply researched and lucidly written portrait of America’s most successful and notorious spy master, Allen Dulles. It was Dulles who, as director of the CIA following World War II, enabled Nazi war criminals to flee punishment via the so-called “ratlines” to Latin America and elsewhere. It was he who fostered the overthrow of democratically elected governments in Iran, Guatemala and Chile. It was he who was principally responsible for the Bay of Pigs debacle in Cuba and multiple efforts to assassinate Fidel Castro. And it was he who, working with anti-Castro terrorists, organized the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Don’t believe it? Read this book. It’s soon to be released in paperback and is available now at the library.