One sentence summary:
‘Blind Man’s Bluff: The Untold Story of American Submarine Espionage’ by Sherry Sontag provides a riveting and revealing account of the secretive world of American submarine espionage during the Cold War.
Book genre:
Non-fiction, historical, military, espionage.
Main topic of the book:
The book explores the previously classified world of American submarine espionage and the vital role it played during the Cold War.
Key ideas:
- The intense rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War, including the arms race and the space race.
- The crucial role of submarine espionage in gathering intelligence and countering the Soviet naval threat.
- The bravery and ingenuity of American submariners and their crews in carrying out dangerous missions.
- The use of innovative technology, such as sonar and satellite systems, to track and monitor Soviet submarines.
- The complex relationships between different government agencies and the challenges they faced in coordinating operations.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Part I: ‘Cold Secrets’ – This section sets the context of the Cold War and the initial development of American submarine espionage.
- Part II: ‘The First Lost Sub’ – The section recounts the tragic story of the USS Thresher, a nuclear submarine that sank during a training exercise, highlighting the dangers and risks faced by submariners.
- Part III: ‘Tracking the Boats’ – This section describes the technology and methods used by the US to track Soviet submarines, including the development of advanced sonar systems and satellite surveillance.
- Part IV: ‘Into Enemy Waters’ – Here, the book delves into the high-stakes missions carried out by American submarines in Soviet waters, including planting listening devices and retrieving Soviet torpedoes for intelligence purposes.
- Part V: ‘Crippling the Bear’ – This section explores the role of submarine espionage in pressuring the Soviet Union and ultimately contributing to its downfall.
- Part VI: ‘A Post-Cold War World’ – The final section discusses the impact of the end of the Cold War on submarine espionage and the transformation of its role in the modern era.
Key takeaways:
- The immense importance of submarine espionage in the Cold War and its contribution to US success in containing the Soviet Union.
- The incredible bravery and sacrifices made by American submariners in carrying out their dangerous missions.
- The critical role of technology and innovation in intelligence gathering and reconnaissance operations.
- The challenges and complexities involved in coordinating and carrying out submarine espionage, involving multiple government agencies and branches of the military.
- The enduring impact of submarine espionage on modern intelligence gathering and national security.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Sherry Sontag is an American journalist and author who has written for several publications, including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and Playboy. She has also worked on documentaries and news programs for NBC News and PBS. Christopher Drew, her co-author, is an investigative reporter for The New York Times and has covered national security and intelligence issues for over a decade.
Target audience:
The book is suitable for anyone interested in the Cold War, military history, intelligence, or espionage. It is particularly appealing to readers interested in the untold stories and behind-the-scenes operations of American submarine espionage.
Publisher and first publication date:
The book was published by Public Affairs in 1998.